The Philadelphia Phillies still have roster improvements to make this offseason, and help could be coming sooner rather than later.
Philadelphia is reportedly one of the teams pursuing former Toronto Blue Jays star Bo Bichette, who recently met with the organization. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the discussion between Bichette and the Phillies went “very well.”
Several other franchises are also believed to be in the mix, including the New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, and the Blue Jays themselves.
Bichette is set to enter his age-28 season and already boasts an impressive track record. During his seven years in Toronto, he posted four seasons with a batting average above .300 and earned two All-Star selections.
What Moves Might the Phillies Need to Make?
Signing Bichette would likely force the Phillies to make some difficult financial decisions. Spotrac projects Bichette to command an eight-year deal worth approximately $186.4 million, carrying an average annual salary of $23.3 million.
That figure would add to an already expensive payroll that includes major commitments to Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Zack Wheeler, Trea Turner, and Aaron Nola.
Heyman noted that Philadelphia could explore trading infielder Alec Bohm and possibly move on from catcher J.T. Realmuto to make the numbers work. The idea wouldn’t necessarily be to upgrade at catcher, but rather to replace Realmuto with a more affordable alternative.
Letting Realmuto walk would be significant. He remains one of baseball’s top defensive catchers and is highly regarded for his rapport with the pitching staff. While his offensive output has declined somewhat, his defense is still elite, according to Baseball Savant.
If Bichette were to join the Phillies, Bohm’s role would also become unclear, as the infield would already feature Turner, Bryson Stott, Harper, and Bichette. Although Bohm’s trade value is debatable, his offensive production outweighs his defensive contributions.
Why Philadelphia Appeals to Bichette
One key advantage the Phillies have is the strength of their roster. Coming off a 96-win season, Philadelphia already looks like a strong contender, which naturally appeals to top free agents.
Citizens Bank Park’s reputation as a hitter-friendly stadium is another plus. Additionally, Don Mattingly who spent time on Toronto’s coaching staff from 2023 to 2025 has joined the Phillies’ staff, providing a familiar presence that could ease Bichette’s transition.
Geography also plays a role. Based on the East Coast, Philadelphia is relatively close to Bichette’s hometown of Orlando, Florida, an important factor for many free agents.
Bichette’s interest in the Phillies appears genuine, and landing him would be a major boost both now and in the future. With core veterans like Harper, Schwarber, and Wheeler approaching the later stages of their careers, adding a player of Bichette’s caliber could help keep Philadelphia in championship contention for years to come.
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