Fresh MLB Buzz on Bichette, Yankees, Dodgers, Red Sox, Phillies, Jays After Bregman's Cubs Contract

The market for free-agent shortstop Bo Bichette could begin to take a firmer shape now that Alex Bregman is off the board.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported Saturday night Bregman agreed to a five-year, $175 million deal with the Chicago Cubs. That leaves Bichette as the best infielder available.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported Sunday the two-time All-Star is an "obvious" candidate to land with the Boston Red Sox, who have a Bregman-shaped hole in the lineup.

Rosenthal also linked Bichette with the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers, while a return to the Toronto Blue Jays isn't off the table.

At 27, Bichette is four years younger than Bregman. He's also coming off a return to form in 2025. He posted a .311/.357/.483 slash line along with 18 homers and 94 RBI in 139 games with Toronto.

Prospective suitors will, however, take into account how much Bichette struggled in 2024. He slugged just .322 and was limited to 81 appearances due to multiple injuries.

Compared to Bregman, Bichette doesn't have the same kind of career track record in terms of performance and team success, either.

ESPN's Kiley McDaniel projected Bregman to get $170 million over five years this offseason, which was nearly right on the money. Bichette had the same length for slightly less money ($150 million).

Bichette's representatives could prioritize flexibility over the biggest deal possible. A contract with opt-outs would allow for him to hit the market again after a big campaign, which is what Bregman did with Boston last winter.

Bregman's agreement with the Cubs is another data point for Bichette at the negotiating table, and anybody who had the veteran third baseman on their wishlist could feel more urgency to make a big offensive splash in free agency.