$126 Million Red Sox Target Expected To Hit Open Market, Per Insider

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One of the Boston Red Sox 's top offseason targets could become available again as soon as this offseason.

After the Red Sox failed to retain Alec Bregman this past offseason, the team quickly pivoted, targeting two-time All-Star free agent Bo Bichette . Bichette, 28, eventually signed a three-year, $126 million contract with the New York Mets . USA Today's Bob Nightengale shared that the star infielder is surprisingly expected to opt out of his contract this offseason, hitting the open market once again.

"Teams expect New York Mets third baseman Bo Bichette to opt out of the final two years of his Mets contract after the season, giving clubs like the Philadelphia Phillies a second shot at him," Nightengale wrote on Sunday.

"It could be a massive gamble for Bichette considering he’s still owed $79 million. He is earning $2 million this year after already being paid a $40 million signing bonus, and if he opts out, he will be paid an additional $5 million."

Though Bichette is not having as explosive a season as expected, slashing .236/.283/.361 with eight home runs and 40 runs batted in across 70 games in his first season with the Mets, he remains a top-tier talent who can play shortstop or third base.

Boston aggressively pursued and met with the 28-year-old star this past offseason, but was unable to land him. The Red Sox ended up trading for Caleb Durbin to man third base, but it would not be surprising to see Boston pursue Bichette again if the star infielder becomes available this offseason.

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