As the MLB offseason rolls on and Christmas approaches, two of the biggest names on the infield free agent market-Bo Bichette and Alex Bregman-remain unsigned. And with each passing day, it’s becoming clearer that both the Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox may be preparing for life without their star infielders.
Let’s start with Bichette. The 27-year-old shortstop has spent his entire seven-year big league career with the Blue Jays, debuting in 2019 and quickly establishing himself as a cornerstone of their offense. But after declining a $22.05 million qualifying offer last month, Bichette is now testing the open market-and signs are pointing toward his time in Toronto coming to an end.
That said, Bichette’s value hasn’t dipped much despite a rocky 2024 season that included a stint on the injured list. He still managed to bounce back in a big way, playing 139 games and slashing .311/.357/.483 with 18 home runs, 94 RBIs, and a 129 OPS+.
That kind of production-paired with a 3.5 bWAR-makes him one of the most appealing infielders still available. And if Alex Bregman signs elsewhere, don’t be surprised if Boston shifts its attention north of the border.
According to MLB Network’s Mark Feinsand, the Red Sox view Bichette as a strong fallback option should they miss out on Bregman. Boston’s infield is flexible enough to accommodate Bichette defensively, and his bat would fit nicely in the middle of their order. The Sox are clearly looking to retool after a disappointing 2024, and Bichette could be a key piece of that puzzle.
But it’s not just Boston keeping an eye on how these dominoes fall. Feinsand also noted that the Blue Jays are unlikely to bring back Bichette if they manage to land Kyle Tucker-the most coveted free agent on the market this winter.
It’s a classic offseason chain reaction: if Tucker ends up in Toronto, Bichette likely walks. If Tucker signs elsewhere, the door could crack back open for a Bichette return.
These are the kinds of interlocking moves that define an offseason, where one signing can shift the entire landscape.
Speaking of big shifts, Feinsand also floated the New York Mets as a potential landing spot for Bregman. The Mets, who’ve already moved on from Brandon Nimmo and let Pete Alonso walk in free agency, are in need of some serious offensive reinforcements. Bregman, with his postseason pedigree and steady bat, could be exactly what the Mets are looking for.
Feinsand suggested that Bregman could slot into the middle of the Mets’ order-potentially batting fifth-and bring a veteran presence to a roster that’s suddenly in transition. There’s also positional flexibility to work with.
The Mets could shift Mark Vientos or Brett Baty to first base to make room for Bregman at third. It’s not a lock, but it’s a scenario worth watching.
Bregman, now 31, is coming off a season where he posted a 3.5 bWAR in just 114 games, slashing .273/.360/.462 with a 128 OPS+ despite missing two months with a hamstring issue. He’s a proven October performer with four AL pennants and two World Series rings from his time with the Astros. After signing a three-year, $120 million deal with Boston last offseason, he opted out to re-enter free agency-clearly betting on himself in a market that still values elite infielders.
As for contract projections, they paint a picture of just how valuable these players remain. ESPN’s updated numbers peg Bichette at five years, $150 million, Bregman at six years, $180 million, and Tucker at a staggering 11 years, $418 million. Those are serious commitments, and they reflect just how much impact these players can have-not just on the field, but on the identity of a franchise.
So as the hot stove continues to simmer, keep an eye on how these names shuffle across the board. With Boston, Toronto, and New York all in play-and Kyle Tucker looming as a major domino-the infield market is far from settled. And with players like Bichette and Bregman still unsigned, we’re likely to see a few more fireworks before the calendar flips to 2026.