The Major League Baseball free-agent market for offensive players is moving at a deliberate pace, with several big names still searching for their next home. Star players like Bo Bichette, Kyle Tucker, Cody Bellinger, and Alex Bregman remain unsigned, creating a tense atmosphere as teams strategize their off-season moves. While a major signing frenzy hasn't erupted yet, insiders believe Bellinger and Bregman could be the next dominoes to fall, potentially setting the stage for others.
Market Dynamics and Toronto Blue Jays' Prime Position
The recent signings of veteran players like Kyle Schwarber and Pete Alonso caused a brief recalibration at the top of the hitter market. This has led agents for younger, more versatile stars like Bichette to highlight the age gap and unique skills their clients bring. One agent, not representing Bichette, revealed the strategy: "It's the first thing I'm doing if I'm in the room... Reminding everyone how old those guys are and what my player can do that they can't."
Despite his youth at 27, teams have concerns about Bichette's long-term viability at shortstop, with some doubting he'll hold the position even by 2026 due to defensive metrics. This opens the door for a potential position switch.
For Bichette, the Toronto Blue Jays feel like a natural home. Having spent his entire career there and becoming a franchise cornerstone alongside Vladimir Guerrero Jr., a return is a strong possibility. Blue Jays analyst Buck Martinez stated on MLB Network's "Hot Stove" that "I know Bo wants to come back," and speculated Bichette could play second base next to Andrés Giménez. Martinez rated the chances of a return at eight out of ten, citing Bichette's expressed desire to stay during the 2025 World Series run.
Toronto's strategy appears to be focusing its substantial financial resources on securing Kyle Tucker first, potentially with a deal worth $400 million. If they miss on Tucker, re-signing Bichette becomes a top priority. The Blue Jays have already been active, adding pitcher Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce, and Tyler Rogers, while Shane Bieber exercised his player option.
Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox Emerge as Key Threats
The Los Angeles Dodgers are perennial contenders for elite talent and are closely monitoring the situation. Their interest in Kyle Tucker is known, but Bichette presents an intriguing alternative, especially given his openness to playing second base. Bichette's solid defensive performance at second during the seven-game 2025 World Series against the Dodgers proved to scouts he can handle the transition, making him a plausible target for the star-studded franchise.
Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox, having missed out on Kyle Schwarber, have turned their attention to bolstering their infield. With Alex Bregman also available, Boston sees Bichette as a prime target if they cannot land Bregman. Analyst Jim Bowden, writing for The Athletic, listed the Red Sox as a new potential destination.
Bowden highlighted Bichette's fit: "Bichette is only 27 and can play second base, shortstop or third base... Fenway Park’s unusual dimensions would benefit Bichette, who uses the whole field well." He suggested Bichette could become an everyday third or second baseman in Boston and an instant fan favourite. This interest from Boston could significantly impact the markets for both Bichette and Alex Bregman.
Contract Projections and What Lies Ahead
Financially, Bichette's value is substantial. Early estimates compared his worth to the seven-year, $182 million deal Willy Adames signed with the San Francisco Giants. However, ESPN's Kiley McDaniel recently projected a contract of five years and $150 million for Bichette, ranking him as the No. 7 free agent overall. This positions him to be among the highest-paid shortstops in baseball once he signs.
While the market may seem quiet, behind-the-scenes negotiations are likely intense. The decisions of Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger will directly influence Bichette's timeline and suitors. The coming weeks are expected to bring clarity, with the Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Boston Red Sox positioned as the leading contenders in this high-stakes chase for one of MLB's premier offensive talents.
