The Toronto Blue Jays got some good news on Bo Bichette’s free agency.
Bichette remains on the open market and is one of the top free-agent hitters available. Yet, a reunion with the Blue Jays seems unlikely, so many Toronto fans are hoping that if he does leave, it won’t be to a rival.
However, Toronto’s division rival, the Boston Red Sox, is showing interest after Alex Bregman signed with the Chicago Cubs. However, Red Sox insider Jared Carrabis doesn’t think Boston will land Bichette.
“At the end of the day, it’s going to come down to dollars. And that’s why I have zero faith that Bo Bichette will be a Boston Red Sox player at any point,” Carrabis said on The JD Bunkis Podcast on Monday. “I think he’s bound for Philly or a return to Toronto. It’s not going to be Boston. I have no faith that it’s going to be the Red Sox. They wouldn’t pony up and go the extra mile for a guy that they know came into their house and performed and made a huge impact throughout the entire clubhouse.
“They wouldn’t pony up for that guy. So, why would they pony up for a guy they don’t know, who is comparable, I guess in terms of offense, but is not on par defensively? I have zero faith that the Red Sox will do what it takes to contend with Dave Dombrowski’s spending.”
If Carrabis is accurate, Bichette won’t be signing with the Red Sox, which would be good news for the Blue Jays. It would also mean Bichette is likely to return to the Blue Jays or sign with the Phillies.
Phillies Meeting With Bichette
With Bichette still on the free agent market, the star shortstop is set to meet with the Phillies.
Philadelphia has started to show more interest in him. Insiders Matt Gelb and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic confirmed a meeting is set up.
“As the Phillies reach a possible inflection point in their offseason, they have scheduled a meeting with free-agent infielder Bo Bichette and done extensive work on the various roster ripple effects of signing him, multiple league sources told The Athletic,” the article read.
“Bichette is expected to meet with Phillies officials on a video conference call in the coming days, those sources said. The club’s interest in Bichette is legitimate, and if it results in a deal, it would likely require the team to move on from roster mainstays J.T. Realmuto and Alec Bohm.”
If the meeting goes well, perhaps a contract will be handed out soon to Bichette. But it does appear that the Phillies’ interest in Bichette is starting to increase.
Bichette is a two-time AL hits leader.
Blue Jays Unlikely to Re-Sign Bichette Amid Active Offseason
Toronto has been active this offseason, but the team may not have room for Bichette.
Following the Blue Jays’ signing of Kazuma Okamoto, insider Mitch Bannon said it’s unlikely that Bichette will be back.
“The Toronto Blue Jays remain linked to All-Star hitters Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker,” Bannon wrote. “Although league sources said the Jays have increased their efforts to recruit Tucker, who remains a roster fit after the signing of Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto, a reunion with Bichette appears increasingly unlikely.”
Bichette hit .311 with 18 home runs and 94 RBIs last season.
Blue Jays Get Positive Update on Bo Bichette Amidst Rival’s Interest