Date of Publication: January 11, 2026, 09:59h.

Last updated on: January 11, 2026, 10:00h.

• Chicago Cubs secure 3B Alex Bregman with a $175 million, five-year contract
• Boston Red Sox are reportedly eyeing free agent SS Bo Bichette after missing out on Bregman
• Blue Jays remain FanDuel betting favorites to retain Bichette

The announcement yesterday that 3B Alex Bregman has inked a five-year, $175 million deal with the Chicago Cubs could potentially ignite an otherwise sluggish MLB free agent market.

SS Bo Bichette has been an essential player for the Toronto Blue Jays since making his MLB debut alongside Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in 2019. Having progressed through the Jays’ development system, the duo has proved invaluable to a team that narrowly lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series last November, falling 5-4 in an intense 11-inning Game 7. The departure of Bichette would be hard for Jays’ fans to bear.

MLB Betting: Blue Jays Remain Favorites

Bichette is arguably among the top hitters available in the current free agent landscape, posting a .294 career batting average, a .337 OBP, 111 home runs, and 437 RBIs. He was the standout hitter for the Blue Jays last season with a .311 batting average, 18 home runs, and 94 RBIs, before being sidelined by a knee injury during the American League Divisional Series against the New York Yankees and later for the Championship Series versus the Seattle Mariners.

Bichette made a return for the World Series against the Dodgers but was required to move to second base due to his knee injury. Who could forget his impressive three-run homer off Shohei Ohtani in the third inning of Game 7, giving the Jays an early 3-0 advantage?

As of this morning, here are the FanDuel odds regarding where Bichette could play next: Blue Jays -125, Philadelphia Phillies +300, Boston Red Sox +550, New York Yankees +750, Los Angeles Dodgers +1400, and Atlanta Braves +1900.

Possible $300 Million Contract?

Bichette, alongside OF Kyle Tucker and OF Cody Bellinger, are among the top-tier free agents still on the market. Reports indicate that Bichette is open to transitioning from shortstop to second base, potentially expanding his appeal, and that he is seeking a contract worth $300 million.

The Boston Red Sox now have their sights set on Bichette, especially after their effort to bring Bregman back failed. According to Buster Olney from ESPN, the Red Sox extended a $165 million offer for five years before Bregman chose Chicago. This makes Bichette a priority for Boston, though his position remains uncertain since Trevor Story is the current shortstop. Bichette would likely need to play either second or third base.

On the Bellinger front, Olney noted that discussions for Bellinger’s return to the New York Yankees have stagnated. The Yankees have also been in contact with Bichette, which could lead to escalating negotiations.

Updated World Series Odds

With an active offseason—spending $337 million on four players (Dylan Cease, 7 years x $210 million, Cody Ponce, 3 years x $30 million, Tyler Rogers, 3 years x $37 million, and Kazuma Okamoto, 4 years x $60 million)—the Blue Jays might find it more prudent to pursue a shorter contract with a higher average annual value (AAV) for Bichette.

Encouragingly, the situation may soon see resolution, driven by the ripple effect of Bregman’s signing. Should Bichette land with the Red Sox, Phillies, or Yankees, the Blue Jays, frequently cited as the frontrunners for Tucker, would undoubtedly revamp their offer to attract the star outfielder.

“The Jays will likely maintain communication with Bichette’s representatives as the free agency climate continues to be dynamic and strategies evolve,” wrote Blue Jays’ insider Mitch Bannon in The Athletic. “If Bichette opts for a shorter contract with opt-out clauses—similar to the recent deals signed by Alex Bregman, Pete Alonso, and Cody Bellinger—the Jays might find a way to accommodate him for another year.”

Current World Series odds, according to DraftKings, following the Bregman signing are: Dodgers +300, Yankees +750, Phillies +1100, Mariners +1300, Cubs +1500, Braves +1500, Blue Jays +1500, Astros +1600, Mets +1600, Red Sox +1700.