With less than a week until Christmas, the MLB offseason is heating up-and two of the biggest names on the infield market, Bo Bichette and Alex Bregman, are still unsigned. Both players bring elite offensive profiles and postseason experience, and their decisions could set off a chain reaction across multiple clubs looking to solidify their rosters before spring training.
Let’s start with Bichette. The 27-year-old shortstop has spent his entire career with the Toronto Blue Jays, debuting back in 2019.
Despite battling injuries in recent seasons, Bichette bounced back in a big way this past year. In 139 games, he slashed .311/.357/.483 with 18 home runs, 94 RBIs, and a 129 OPS+.
That’s good for 3.5 bWAR-impressive for a player who spent time on the injured list. He declined the Blue Jays’ $22.05 million qualifying offer last month, making it clear he’s ready to test the open market.
Toronto, meanwhile, may be looking at a major shake-up. If they land Kyle Tucker-arguably the most valuable free agent available this winter-it’s unlikely they’ll also bring back Bichette.
That’s not just about money; it’s about roster construction and long-term planning. According to MLB Network’s Mark Feinsand, the Jays probably won’t commit to both stars.
But if Tucker signs elsewhere, a Bichette return to Toronto remains possible. It’s a domino effect, and every move matters.
Speaking of dominoes, Boston is keeping a close eye on how things unfold. The Red Sox are reportedly prioritizing Alex Bregman, but if he signs elsewhere, they’re expected to pivot quickly to Bichette.
Feinsand sees Bichette as the best infielder on the market behind Bregman and thinks he’d fit well in Boston’s lineup. The Sox have enough infield versatility to move pieces around and make room for him defensively.
It’s a classic case of Plan A and Plan B-but both are All-Star caliber options.
Bregman, for his part, is coming off a strong season with Boston after signing a three-year, $120 million deal in the previous offseason. Despite missing two months with a hamstring injury, the 31-year-old still posted 3.5 bWAR in 114 games, hitting .273/.360/.462 with a 128 OPS+. He opted out of the final year of his deal, and now he’s back on the market, looking for what could be the last major contract of his career.
One team to watch closely in the Bregman sweepstakes? The New York Mets.
After trading away Brandon Nimmo and letting Pete Alonso walk in free agency, the Mets are in desperate need of impact bats. Feinsand floated the idea that Bregman could be a strong fit in Queens-both for his offensive production and his leadership pedigree.
With two World Series rings and four AL pennants under his belt, Bregman brings the kind of postseason experience that can elevate a clubhouse. Slotting him into the middle of the Mets’ lineup, potentially moving Mark Vientos or Brett Baty to first base, could help stabilize a roster in transition.
Now, let’s talk numbers. ESPN’s updated contract projections have Bregman landing a six-year, $180 million deal.
Bichette is pegged at five years, $150 million. Meanwhile, Kyle Tucker’s market value is soaring, with a predicted 11-year, $418 million deal-clearly in a different financial stratosphere.
These are big-time commitments, and they reflect just how much teams value not just current production, but future upside and leadership.
So what happens next? That depends on who signs first.
If Bregman goes to the Mets, the Red Sox could quickly turn to Bichette. If Tucker lands in Toronto, Bichette likely heads elsewhere.
These decisions aren’t happening in a vacuum-they’re interconnected, and front offices across the league are watching closely.
One thing’s for sure: with players of this caliber still on the board, the next few weeks are going to be fascinating. Whether it’s Bregman in Queens, Bichette in Boston, or Tucker reshaping the Jays’ lineup, the offseason fireworks are far from over.