Mets' Offseason Move Helped Yankees by Keeping Top Target Away from Red Sox

The Mets signing Bo Bichette prevented the rival Red Sox from landing the star infielder.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:06am

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game or match, with sharp planes of navy, green, and orange intersecting to create a fragmented, multi-angled view of the action on the field.The Mets' offseason acquisition of Bo Bichette could have lasting impacts on the AL East division race.NYC Today

The New York Mets' offseason signing of free agent Bo Bichette may have actually helped the New York Yankees, as it kept the star infielder away from the Boston Red Sox, who were reportedly interested in signing him. Experts believe the Red Sox could miss the playoffs this season due to not landing Bichette, which would have made them a more dangerous division rival for the Yankees.

Why it matters

The Red Sox's failure to sign Bichette is seen as a significant missed opportunity that could impact the AL East division race, as the star player would have provided a much-needed offensive boost to a struggling Boston team. The Mets' signing of Bichette, meanwhile, is viewed as a win for the Yankees, as it prevented a key rival from adding such a talented player to their roster.

The details

Reports had indicated the Red Sox were interested in signing Bichette, a free agent after leaving the Toronto Blue Jays. However, the infielder ultimately signed with the Mets instead. Experts like Jim Bowden of The Athletic believe the Red Sox should have prioritized landing Bichette, as they 'need another bat and a team leader' after losing Alex Bregman to the Cubs in free agency. The failure to sign Bichette could be a critical misstep that keeps the Red Sox out of the playoffs this season.

  • The Red Sox were reportedly interested in signing Bo Bichette during the 2026 MLB offseason.
  • Bichette ultimately signed with the New York Mets in the 2026 offseason.

The players

Bo Bichette

A star infielder who left the Toronto Blue Jays to sign with the New York Mets in free agency.

Alex Bregman

A third baseman who left the Red Sox to sign with the Chicago Cubs in free agency.

Caleb Durbin

A player on the Red Sox roster who could potentially shift to a super-utility role if the team improves at third base.

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What they’re saying

“The Red Sox need another bat and a team leader. They really miss third baseman Alex Bregman, who signed with the Cubs in the offseason, and they really needed to pivot to Bo Bichette before he signed with the Mets.”

— Jim Bowden, Analyst

“I think the Red Sox should be working hard at improving third base to free up Caleb Durbin to be a super-utility player. Yes, they need another bat if they want to make the playoffs.”

— Jim Bowden, Analyst

The takeaway

The Mets' signing of Bo Bichette, a top free agent target for the rival Red Sox, could end up being a significant win for the Yankees as well. By keeping Bichette out of Boston, the Mets have potentially weakened a division rival and strengthened the Yankees' position in the AL East race.