Just like last offseason, the Boston Red Sox's free agent pursuit of a new infielder has dragged into the new year. Red Sox fans are very much tired of the endless "will they, won't they" when it comes to their free agent targets.
Luckily, Boston seems to be receiving a lucky break in its Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette pursuits. Will Sammon of The Athletic reported on January 6 that the Toronto Blue Jays remain connected to free agents Bichette and Kyle Tucker and that their efforts to sign the latter have increased (subscription required). Sammon did not mention Bregman among their current free agent targets.
On the one hand, Toronto ratcheting up its pursuit of Tucker could hurt Boston. The Jays have already added Dylan Cease, Tyler Rogers, Cody Ponce and Kazuma Okamoto this offseason. Tucker would make even batter a division rival that just gave the superteam Los Angeles Dodgers a run for their money in the World Series.
On the other hand, the Blue Jays have obviously been aggressive with their spending while the Red Sox have maintained their timid, small-market approach to the free agent market. Toronto leaving Bregman's group of suitors and taking a backseat on Bichette can only benefit Boston.
Blue Jays could be out on Alex Bregman, taking a backseat on Bo Bichette pursuit, giving Red Sox perfect chance to strike
The Jays are one of the richest teams in MLB and their presence among any free agent's group of suitors will drive up their price. The Red Sox are also one of the richest clubs in baseball and they should be able to handle any inflation the Blue Jays or another similarly moneyed team might cause, they're frustratingly unlikely to meet the market.
Reuniting with Bregman is still allegedly Boston's top priority and Bichette may just be a backup plan. The Sox, Diamondbacks and Cubs are seemingly the last teams standing among his group of suitors. The Red Sox have no business being outspent by any of them — Bregman fit in too well with last year's team to let him walk so easily, especially after the front office told fans how much more financial flexibility it would have after the Rafael Devers trade.
Many reporters and insiders still believe that a return to Boston is the most likely outcome of Bregman's free agency. The Blue Jays exiting his market has cleared a path for the Red Sox to finally make the right move for the present and future of their team.