Bo Bichette viewed as a potential alternative to Alex Bregman, the Blue Jays linked to Tatsuya Imai


With the Winter Meetings underway, the 2025 free agency market is heating up. Bo Bichette and Tatsuya Imai have tied for several star players enjoying best team activities strong interest of teams

Bichette staying with the Toronto Blue Jays would be a dream come true for many, but the two sides have yet to come to an agreement. According to The Athletic, he is considered a strong alternative option for the Boston Red Sox, with Alex Bregman the priority signature remaining.

Additionally, the shortstop, who can also play second base, looks like a good fit for Fenway, posting a .329 batting average and .907 OPS in 157 plate appearances.

On the other hand, the Chicago Cubs have shown considerable interest in Alex Bregman. They were in contract talks last season until Bregman signed a 3-year, $120 million deal with opt-outs after each season. MLB insider Jon Heyman considers Bregman “the most likely” for the Cubs in free agency.

Aside from Bo Bichette and Alex Bregman, Japanese phenom Tatsuya Imai has drawn significant attention from top MLB teams such as the New York Yankees, Blue Jays, Mets, Red Sox, Phillies, Cubs and others. Initially heavily linked with the Bronx Firefighters, the Blue Jays have emerged as strong challengers.

During his NPB tenure, he posted a 1.92 ERA with 178 strikeouts in 163 ⅔ innings for the Saitama Seibu Lions. The Blue Jays have expressed their desire to add some Japanese talent to the lineup, and Imai can be seen as a good fit for the team.

Yankees testing free agency with notable interest in Tatsuya Imai

Amid the ongoing winter meetings in Orlando, Yankees executive Brian Cashman expressed significant interest in signing the pitcher. Tatsuya Imai. They are considered one of the most interested franchises in the pursuit of the Japanese star.

“A very talented player coming from Japan, and we’ve certainly made our big changes to try to add more talented players, whether they’re local or overseas, all the way to Japan,” Cashman said of Imai, per SNY .

“So, Scott Boras represents him. So, he’s got a long list of talented players on his roster. So, I’m talking to a lot of different agents. But obviously he’s one as well.”

Their primary goal remains to re-sign Cody Bellinger, but Cashman noted that the team will remain flexible about adding power. As of now, top free agents are still on the market, giving the Yankees a number of options to bolster their roster in both free agency and the international market.