The Boston Red Sox entered the offseason with a simple plan: secure Alex Bregman and restore stability. However, as good as he fits in Boston, that plan is now on the verge of collapse as a new contender makes a serious play for their cornerstone infielder.

The Athletic’s Jim Bowden predicts that the Detroit Tigers are preparing a six-year, $182 million offer for Bregman.

The prediction is quite interesting.

Detroit nearly signed Bregman last winter, offering him a six-year, $170 million offer. Now, they seem to have circled right back for obvious reasons.

Their third basemen struggled more than any group in the AL last season. Their offense needs better swing decisions, and their clubhouse needs a veteran voice. Bregman checks all the boxes.

Here is something else that adds a little more weight to the Detroit chase for Alex Bregman. The Tigers have not had a team captain since 1915—that’s a 110-year drought. If they finally end up with Bregman, who is the type to fit the “C” perfectly—experienced, steady, and respected—then maybe they break that drought.

Bregman is a Scott Boras client, and it was always expected that he would chase a long-term deal. Sox knew they would have to be competitive with the years and dollars on the check. However, they were not expecting this many big-market teams jumping on the Bregman wagon. For now, the Detroit Tigers are making the most noise.

But the Red Sox wanting to keep Bregman home also makes sense for the team.

For one, he fits perfectly at third base, bringing nearly a decade of big-game experience. His leadership has become one of the most valuable things for the clubhouse. But the reality is that things are getting difficult by the day. Boston wants to stay under luxury tax threshold and might not meet Bregman’s asking price, crumbling their hopes.

However, Bregman has mentioned that he would love to reunite and stay in Boston for the rest of his career, for this, he is willing to lower his demands.

If the Tigers push hard, then maybe the Red Sox can lose confidence. But it isn’t like they aren’t prepared for the worst.

Did Boston already line up a backup plan for Alex Bregman?

The Boston Red Sox have already upgraded their pitching with Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo. But their lineup needs a serious middle-order bat, which is why the Bregman decision is hanging over their shoulder. But waiting around is not an option, and it seems like they have a Plan B in place. Maybe even a Plan C!

First is a big one—Bo Bichette.

According to the sources, the Boston Red Sox view Bichette as an alternative if the Bregman homecoming stalls. And honestly, it makes a whole lot of sense. Bichette is only 27 years old, and he is coming off a .311 season with 18 homers, and he still hits for a better average than almost anyone in the AL.

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Sure, he is expected to land something close to $200 million, but Boston knows what the price of elite bats is. They also know the fact that Bregman’s market could heat up more, making his number increase significantly.

Bichette’s potential fit in Boston is compelling.

They could move him to second base and Story back to shortstop. That would give their infield a whole lot more balance. Bichette handled second base well during the Toronto Blue Jays’ postseason run and hit .348 even while dealing with a knee problem. Moreover, since all teams vying to sign him are planning to move him to second base from shortstop. So, his position shouldn’t really matter. He has already declined Blue Jays’ offer for next year, hinting that he might finally be looking for a new home.

If Bichette still chooses to stay in Toronto or sign with some other team, then Boston does have a third option in Pete Alonso.

Jim Bowden, in fact, put Boston as one of the two favorites to sign Polar Bear. His chances with the Mets are not looking good. He hit .272 with 38 homers and 126 RBIs with them last year. And sure, his glove slipped, but Boston could use him as DH, and so the idea tracks.

While Boston is still chasing Bregman, him leaving won’t be the end of the season for the team. However, considering his impact there and comfort with Red Sox, it will be interesting to see where he finally lands and how Boston replaces him.