By Shaun McAvoyShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberThe Boston Red Sox could be a surprising candidate to land one of the top free agents available this offseason.
The Red Sox have a busy offseason ahead of them, despite already swinging a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals to acquire right-handed pitcher Sonny Gray. Boston still has a few holes to address on its roster this offseason, including first base and third base if Alex Bregman does not return.
Surprisingly, one player that the Red Sox will be monitoring in free agency this offseason is Toronto Blue Jays star shortstop Bo Bichette, according to MLB.com's Ian Browne.
..."While Breslow could grab another arm if the opportunity cost is right, his primary focus leading into the Winter Meetings, which start on Dec. 8, figures to be getting a big bat," Browne wrote Saturday. "But there’s also no turning back from this: The club has lacked a premier slugger for the middle of the lineup since that day Devers was sent to the Giants.
"The Red Sox will be monitoring the free agent situations of Bo Bichette and Kyle Schwarber closely. Both of those players are attached to the qualifying offer, which means Boston will have to provide Draft compensation in the event of a signing."
Bichette is a two-time All-Star, and though he has been a shortstop his entire career, he displayed his versatility when he played second base for the Blue Jays in the World Series. The 27-year-old slashed .311/.357/.483 this season, mashing 18 home runs and driving in 94 runs and would be a great addition for the Red Sox.
If Bregman walks in free agency, the Red Sox could sign Bichette and have him either play third base, or put Marcelo Mayer at third and play Bichette at second base.
More MLB: Red Sox Could Cut Ties With All-Star In Offseason Trade: Insider
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