Why Blue Jays should reignite their chase of sought after free agent third baseman

Less than one year ago, there were rumors that the Toronto Blue Jays were emerging as the favorites to sign Alex Bregman in free agency.

Of course, like most of the team's big-fish pursuits in recent years, that didn't come to fruition, as the star third baseman signed with the Boston Red Sox. However, he has now opted out of that deal, launching right back into free agency, and this time without the qualifying offer attached.

The Blue Jays, meanwhile, are set to lose a star infielder of their own in the form of Bo Bichette. There's hope that the longtime shortstop will make his way back to Canada this winter, but given the team's massive investment in Vladimir Guerrero Jr., there are well-founded doubts that the American League champions are willing to let Bichette walk away.

So, could that lead to a situation where the two AL East teams swap stars in free agency?

Alex Bregman could be a perfect replacement for Bo Bichette in Toronto

In The Athletic's Top 50 free agent predictions, Bichette is projected for a seven-year, $182 million pact on the open market. Bregman, who is four years his senior, is projected for a six-year, $182 million deal. Those are wildly similar contracts, with Bregman's age likely keeping him from getting a seventh year (though his superior defense will arguably award him a higher AAV).

Bregman, a two-time World Series champion, hit .273/.360/.462 with 18 home runs in 114 games in 2025, good for 3.5 fWAR and a 125 wRC+. Meanwhile, Bichette hit .311/.357/.483 with 18 home runs, adding up to 3.8 fWAR and a 134 wRC+. Like their contract projections, their production was remarkably similar, especially if you focus on Bregman's elite first half prior to his quad injury (152 wRC+).

He'd also be a seamless replacement for Bichette in Toronto's infield, given his defensive track record (three Outs Above Average, one Defensive Run Saved this year) that far surpasses the incumbent Blue Jays shortstop (-13 OAA, -12 DRS).

Ernie Clement is best-suited for a super-utility role going forward, having played at least 15 games at all four infield positions in 2025. Likewise, Addison Barger has been marginally better in the outfield than he has at third base in his career, and there's room at second for either of them if Andrés Giménez commits to shortstop full-time once Bichette leaves.

None of this conversation particularly hinges on the Red Sox pursuing Bichette, but they need at least one more infielder in 2026 if Bregman doesn't return. Trevor Story is locked in at shortstop, while slick-fielding rookie Marcelo Mayer will likely handle one of third base or second base. Could Bichette be their answer at the other?

Regardless of what Boston does, given their remarkably similar production, there's good reason to believe the Blue Jays will pivot to Bregman if they lose their World Series hero.