The Blue Jays are making noise this offseason, and Bo Bichette might be hearing it loud and clear.
According to reports, Toronto has shown real interest in free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman - a move that would shake up the infield and potentially shift the franchise’s direction in a big way. Talks have reportedly taken place between Jays officials and Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras.
While Toronto’s stated preference has been to add a left-handed bat, the focus now appears to be more about fit than handedness. And Bregman?
He fits.
At 31, Bregman brings postseason pedigree, leadership, and a resume that includes championship rings and individual accolades. He’s a known quantity - a proven performer who can anchor a clubhouse and a lineup.
Defensively, he’s a natural at third base, which would allow the Jays to keep Andres Gimenez at shortstop and slide Ernie Clement to second. That alignment keeps the outfield untouched and maintains defensive continuity across the board.
But that’s where things get complicated.
If Bregman signs in Toronto, it creates a logjam - and Bo Bichette is the one potentially left without a chair when the music stops. There’s no obvious spot for him in the infield if the Jays move forward with this structure. And unless Toronto is willing to spend significantly to make multiple moves or shift players around in a major way, it’s hard to see a scenario where both Bregman and Bichette are on the field together in their natural positions.
This could be about more than just roster fit. It might also be about leverage.
Whether it's the Jays applying pressure on Bichette or Boras using Toronto’s interest to push Boston’s offer higher, there’s a strategic element at play here. The timing matters, too - with Christmas just days away and January around the corner, the market is heating up, and decisions are coming.
As for Bregman, he’s still weighing his options. The Red Sox haven’t backed off, with reports indicating they remain engaged and hopeful for a reunion in 2026.
But they’ve got competition. The Blue Jays, Diamondbacks, and Cubs are all reportedly in the mix.
Bregman’s 2025 campaign was solid - he brought leadership and consistent power before a quad injury slowed him late in the year. He opted out in November to test the market, and he’s looking for a deal that takes him deep into the back half of his career.
That’s where things get tricky for Boston. Signing Bregman might mean pushing past the $264 million Competitive Balance Tax threshold, and that’s no small decision.
As Red Sox manager Alex Cora put it earlier this month, “Alex earned the right contract-wise to opt out and see what’s going on. We know he was very important last year, and there’s a lot of leaders out there who are good players, too. So we’ll see what the future holds.”
For now, the future remains uncertain. But one thing’s clear: if the Blue Jays pull the trigger on Bregman, it could mark a defining moment - not just for their infield, but for Bo Bichette’s place in it.