The Boston Red Sox keep missing.
They wanted Pete Alonso in free agency, but he signed with the Baltimore Orioles. Then they wanted to bring back Alex Bregman, but he instead joined the Chicago Cubs.
Bo Bichette is next. He's likely the last major pursuit of the offseason for Boston as far as free agents are concerned.
Will they get him, though?
Precedent isn't on their side.
"When it comes to the Boston Red Sox’s chances of landing Bo Bichette, they are presumed guilty of failing to land major free agents until they prove otherwise," The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal wrote on Wednesday.
MORE: Ernie Clement completes improbable rise to Team USA for WBC
Bichette, who played shortstop for the Toronto Blue Jays, would likely slide to third base if he joined Boston.
The Red Sox also have promising prospect Marcelo Mayer, who they hope to get at bats at either second or third.
There are options on the trade market to get a second baseman if Boston doesn't land Bichette, a scenario which would likely feature Mayer landing at the hot corner.
MORE: An Air Force Captain will pitch for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic
That's not something that would thrill Red Sox fans, though. They've watched their team go after a few big names already and fail.
The last thing they want is to fail on Bichette, too, especially if it means he goes back to Toronto to play divisional clashes against Boston every year.
There's still time for the Red Sox to make amends here. But it's best not to assume any positive outcomes for them at this point.
More MLB news:
- Team USA's projected WBC lineup is incredible
- Dominican Republic's projected WBC lineup is fierce
- Red Sox are paying Manny Ramirez same 2026 salary as Dodgers are paying Shohei Ohtani
- Phillies have a secret weapon for signing Bo Bichette
- MLB looking at realignment into East-West arrangement
- Hunter Pence's nephew has the best name and a 100 MPH fastball