The Philadelphia Phillies appeared to be building strong momentum in their pursuit of Bo Bichette over the past week. Team officials met with the star infielder, and the fit between Bichette and Philadelphia seemed increasingly logical, with many indicators suggesting the Phillies were emerging as a serious landing spot.
MLB insider Jon Heyman even noted that the meeting between Bichette and the Phillies reportedly went very well, pointing out Bichette’s admiration for the organization’s “first-class” reputation. Factors such as the roster, ballpark, Don Mattingly’s connection, and the proximity of spring training to Bichette’s home were all viewed as positives, though questions remained about potential roster changes and competition from several other teams.
Despite those encouraging signs, Bichette ultimately chose to sign a three-year deal with the Phillies’ division rival, the New York Mets. With that door closed, Matt Davis of That Balls Outta Here believes Philadelphia could shift its focus to former MVP Cody Bellinger.
Davis noted that negotiations between the Yankees and Bellinger have stalled, creating a potential opening for the Phillies. He suggested Bellinger could serve as an unexpected but appealing alternative for a front office still seeking a roster shake-up after missing out on Bichette. To make such a move possible, Philadelphia would likely need to clear salary and roster space, with Nick Castellanos emerging once again as the most likely casualty.
Castellanos is entering the final year of his five-year, $100 million contract and experienced a steep decline in 2025, posting a .694 OPS while continuing to struggle defensively. According to Davis, the Phillies may need to absorb a significant portion of Castellanos’ $20 million salary to facilitate a trade or release. Even with payroll constraints, Davis argues the team cannot afford to shy away from making a bold move.
Signing Bellinger would provide an immediate upgrade to the Phillies’ outfield while also offering flexibility, as he could spell Bryce Harper at first base when needed. His versatility and impact make him exactly the type of player teams value highly, positioning him as a sensible target for Philadelphia.
Given Castellanos’ declining performance, a separation seems increasingly inevitable, and Bellinger may represent an opportunity too valuable for the Phillies to ignore.
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