Fenway Park is indeed shaking, but the “secret” name has been revealed by multiple top insiders! The Boston Red Sox are reportedly executing a highly confidential backup plan, aggressively targeting superstar infielder Bo Bichette—the player being referred to as the “Bregman replacement” who could redefine Boston’s entire 2026 identity.
This pursuit, fueled by the uncertainty surrounding Alex Bregman’s free agency, would represent a massive raid on an AL East rival, instantly sending fans into a frenzy and the Blue Jays into a panic.
🎯 The Target: Bo Bichette ($150M+ Free Agent)
The pursuit centers on Bo Bichette, the 27-year-old former Toronto Blue Jays shortstop who is now a highly coveted free agent and a perfect fit for the Red Sox’s needs if Bregman departs:1
- The Need: Bregman officially opted out of his contract, leaving a gaping hole at third base and eliminating a veteran right-handed bat in the middle of a heavily left-handed lineup.2
- Bichette’s Fit: Bichette is one of the best pure bats available this winter.3 He hit a stunning .311 in 2025 with 18 home runs and is a right-handed hitter whose power would play perfectly at Fenway Park.4
- The Positional Plan: While primarily a shortstop, Bichette’s poor defensive metrics (-13 Outs Above Average in 2025) suggest a move.5 The Red Sox plan would be to move Bichette to second base (a position he played briefly in the World Series) or third base, allowing them to utilize prospect Marcelo Mayer at the other corner infield spot (Source 3.3, 3.6).6
💥 The Rationale: Crushing a Rival, Defining the Future
Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow is reportedly prioritizing a middle-of-the-order, right-handed bat.7 The pursuit of Bichette fulfills that goal while providing a major strategic victory:
- Rivalry Slap: Stealing a beloved superstar from the Blue Jays—a direct rival—would provide a massive psychological boost to the Red Sox and inflict a devastating blow to Toronto’s competitive window (Source 3.6).
- High-Impact Identity: Bichette is a relentless hitter known for his high energy. Adding him alongside Trevor Story, who had a strong comeback season in 2025, would instantly create one of the most explosive, dynamic up-the-middle combinations in the American League.
- A High-Stakes Gamble: Bichette is expected to command a contract of at least five years and over $\$150$ million. Committing this money to Bichette would be the “shockwave” that defines the Red Sox’s 2026 offseason, signaling the end of the previous era’s frugal spending (Source 3.1).
⚠️ The Final Domino: Bregman’s Decision
While the Bichette talks are heating up, sources indicate the Red Sox are still pursuing Alex Bregman (who is projected for a similar contract). The pursuit of Bichette is the club’s “Plan B” to ensure they do not miss out on a generational infielder.
However, the fact that Breslow is aggressively pursuing Bichette shows he is not waiting for Bregman, maintaining leverage and preparing to launch the biggest acquisition of the winter.
