"Bregman's five-year, $175 million contract with the Chicago Cubs shouldn't directly impact Bichette's market, as they're each vastly different cases due to age (Bichette is four years younger), position and offensive ceiling - with the latter leading in that department. However, this signing does eliminate one potential suitor from the healthy list of clubs pursuing his services."
"But there are still plenty in the running, and the advantages that Bichette holds over Bregman should improve his case to land a more lucrative contract than the veteran third baseman. Whether or not that'll ultimately put him in the $300 million territory remains to be seen, though."
"For context, only four major league shortstops have signed for at least $30o million - Trea Turner, Corey Seager, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Francisco Lindor, five if you include Mookie Betts (who signed his extension as an outfielder in 2020) - while Xander Bogaerts stands as the sport's highest-paid second baseman at $280 million. Given that history, the dollar amount that Bichette signs for will be heavily influenced by whether he's a shortstop or second baseman, with much of the industry agreeing that his long-term position should be the latter - especially after he produced career worsts in outs above average (-13) and fielding run value (-10) at short last season."
Alex Bregman's five-year, $175 million deal with the Chicago Cubs removes one potential suitor from Bo Bichette's free-agent market. Bichette, 27, is four years younger and offers a higher offensive ceiling, which should improve his earning prospects relative to Bregman. Historical precedent shows few shortstops have reached $300 million, and second basemen have typically signed for less, making Bichette's long-term position a key contract determinant. Poor shortstop defensive metrics last season suggest a shift to second base, while the ability to play multiple positions expands his pool of potential suitors.
Read at BlueJaysNation
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