The Red Sox are still searching for answers in their infield, and Bo Bichette won’t be the solution. But if there’s a silver lining for Boston fans, it’s this: he’s not heading to the Bronx or sticking around in Toronto either.
Instead, Bichette is taking his talents to Queens. The All-Star infielder has agreed to a three-year, $126 million deal with the New York Mets.
The contract includes opt-outs after both the first and second seasons, giving Bichette some flexibility, and it comes with no deferred money - a clear sign the Mets are paying top dollar now to win now. According to reports, Bichette will slide over to third base, a notable shift from his usual home at shortstop.
Boston, along with Toronto, Philadelphia, and even the Yankees, had been linked to Bichette during the offseason. There were whispers that his camp was initially seeking something closer to $300 million over a longer-term deal, but the Mets ultimately landed him with a short-term, high-AAV contract - $42 million per season. That’s a number the Red Sox were never likely to match, especially for a player they’d likely have had to move off shortstop.
Still, while Boston didn’t land Bichette, they may be breathing a sigh of relief that he’s no longer in the division. Bichette has been a consistent thorn in the Red Sox’s side since breaking into the league.
In 65 career games against Boston, he’s slashed .309/.360/.472 with an .832 OPS - production that’s been steady and often timely. Keeping that bat out of the AL East is a quiet win in itself.
As for what’s next, Boston’s focus appears to be shifting back to the trade market. Unless a player like Eugenio Suárez suddenly becomes a more appealing fit, the Sox may look to swing a deal for their final infield piece.
They’ve already added Ranger Suárez to bolster the rotation, and with a crowded outfield and plenty of arms, they have the pieces to make something happen. Isaac Paredes remains a name to watch, especially now that Ketel Marte is reportedly off the table.
Interestingly, the Mets themselves could be a trade partner. With Bichette, Marcus Semien, and Jorge Polanco all joining their infield mix this winter, there’s a chance that Brett Baty or Mark Vientos becomes expendable. Neither is a perfect fit for Boston - Baty has struggled with strikeouts, and Vientos’ glove leaves plenty to be desired - but the Mets’ depth could open doors if the Red Sox are willing to get creative.
Bottom line: Bichette isn’t a Red Sox, but he’s not a Blue Jay or Yankee either. That matters.
With the pace of offseason moves picking up - especially after the recent Bregman and Tucker deals - Boston needs to stay aggressive. The infield hole is still there.
It’s just a matter of how they choose to fill it.