Fresh off Alex Bregman's five-year, $175 million signing with the Chicago Cubs—detailed earlier today amid Red Sox disappointment—the free-agent shortstop Bo Bichette is now the market's top prize. Toronto appears set to pursue outfielder Kyle Tucker instead, fueling links to the Dodgers, Phillies, Red Sox, and Yankees.
Bregman's deal, featuring a full no-trade clause, no opt-outs, and $70 million in deferrals (per Ken Rosenthal and Jon Heyman), has accelerated the push for 27-year-old Bo Bichette. The two-time All-Star slashed .311/.357/.483 with 18 HR and 94 RBI in 139 games in 2025 after a injury-plagued 2024 (.322 SLG in 81 G). ESPN's Kiley McDaniel projects a five-year, $150 million pact, possibly with opt-outs.
As noted by Rosenthal, Bichette is an 'obvious' Red Sox fit following their Bregman pursuit. MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince predicts him bolstering the Dodgers' weak second base (.650 OPS, 24th last year), with Jays landing Tucker. Other speculation includes the Phillies (Bichette visits Monday), Yankees, and a slim Toronto return.
Toronto's infield logjam post-Kazuma Okamoto signing, plus Eloy Jimenez's minor-league deal, signals an outfield pivot. An executive source envisions Jays to Tucker, Yankees to Cody Bellinger, Red Sox to Bichette. Bichette, seeking around $300 million after meetings with Boston, has teams acting fast post-Bregman benchmark.
