The Boston Red Sox and the Yankees are once again standing against each other. No, it’s not in the game on the diamond but in the bidding war behind closed doors. With the Yankees eyeing the Blue Jays’ shortstop—who, according to the Jays, led the MLB in hits and AL shortstops in RBIs as of August 5—as a potential Anthony Volpe replacement, Boston faces a crucial crossroads that could determine their infield future for years to come.

The urgency comes from Alex Bregman’s contract issue. The All-Star third baseman signed a three-year, $120 million deal with an opt-out option and is reportedly close to leaving the team to enter MLB free agency. And that leaves the Red Sox in a tough spot because of this impending departure. They are rushing to find possible replacements as their AL East rivals are also going after the same player.

Jon Heyman recently wrote in The New York Post that the Blue Jays’ versatile infielder, Bo Bichette, might end up at various clubs. “The hit machine could also transition to 3B or 2B. Jays, Rangers, Red Sox, Tigers, Angels, Dodgers, Jays,” and notably mentioned Bo Bichette’s ability to play many positions. The 27-year-old is currently signed for three years and $33.6 million, which works out to an average of $11.2 million each year. But his expected market value would rise to almost $186 million over the next seven years, as per Spotrac.

Keegan Matheson from MLB.com agreed with this, saying, “Even if he’s signed as a 2B or 3B, Bichette is a bat that fits any lineup.” The 27-year-old shortstop has become the best offensive option, leading the majors with 181 hits in 582 at-bats and is third with a .311 batting average. Since the Blue Jays haven’t offered him an extension deal, he becomes a potential target.

Boston’s plan seems to be based on two main ideas. First, they want someone who can hit for average, rack up base hits, and drive the ball, especially in the middle of the order. Offense is not up for discussion. The Blue Jays target fits that profile because he hits more than .300 and finishes near the top of the league in hits and doubles. Second, it’s very important to be able to play several positions. The Sox will have more options in the field and when making their lineup if they have someone who can easily switch between third and second base, whether Bregman chooses to opt out or not.

On the contrary, the Yankees want Bichette because Anthony Volpe is having a hard time and has a .208 hitting average, pulling defensive mistakes that have given other teams a chance. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com said, “The Anthony Volpe era could be ending as we speak.” This presents Boston with both challenge and opportunity. They not only have to compete with the Yankees, but they can also provide Bichette a clearer route to regular playing time and a chance to stay in the AL East, where he has been successful throughout his career.

But there’s one important thing that both the Red Sox and Yankees might want to consider in their pursuit. Bichette’s current injury situation goes beyond his stats and might affect not just his market worth but also the timing for any possible acquisition.

Bo Bichette is hurt, but still key in contract

Bo Bichette will miss the remainder of the 2025 regular season because he damaged his left knee’s PCL when sliding into home plate on September 6. The team’s first diagnosis and a second evaluation from a physician in Dallas both say that his injury does not need surgery.

The Blue Jays thought about leaving Bichette in Florida at their player development complex to finish his rehab, but they decided that he would travel with the team to Kansas City. Manager John Schneider has said that the first thing Bichette will do when he is medically cleared is toss and hit in the cage.

There is no set date for when he will be able to play games again. His availability for the playoffs is still the major goal, because the regular season has ended for him. Andrés Giménez has stepped in at shortstop in place of Bichette and has done a great job on defense.

Many teams, including the Red Sox, Yankees, and others, are reportedly interested in signing a player who is in the last year of his deal. How Bichette heals is very important. His bat is still a big plus, and if he comes back even a little bit healthy, it may change how much teams are ready to spend or how flexible they expect him to be in terms of position.