Another potential Bo Bichette suitor has reportedly entered the chat.
If the Phillies sign Bichette, the financial ramifications would likely close the door on the possibility of re-signing veteran catcher J.T. Realmuto, whom they’ve been pursuing in free agency, as Gelb notes. It may also cause them to shed salary, which could make Alec Bohm — who agreed to a one-year, $10.2 million deal to avoid arbitration on Thursday — a payroll casualty in the process.
Bichette’s willingness to shift to second base has enriched his market, as it now includes Philadelphia, which already employs Trea Turner at shortstop. This addition would push Bryson Stott to third base, assuming the front office trades Bohm.
The Phillies have gained a reputation for executing headline-shattering acquisitions under president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski. They’ve already re-signed designated hitter Kyle Schwarber this off-season, inking him to a five-year, $150 million contract and becoming the sixth player on their roster with an average annual value of at least $20 million — joining Zack Wheeler, Bryce Harper, Aaron Nola, Nick Castellanos (a free agent after 2026) and Turner.
Landing Bichette certainly would be no small feat, but one that’d solidify them as the biggest threats to the Dodgers in the National League and help extend their competitive window beyond the next few seasons.