The Philadelphia Phillies could end up as the superstar shortstop's new home
The Toronto Blue Jays have been arguably the winners of the offseason to this point.
The defending American League pennant-winners have bolstered their starting rotation by signing starting pitchers Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce to long-term deals, gave three years to reliever Tyler Rogers and inked corner infielder Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year contract.
These moves has positioned Toronto, which won its first pennant in over three decades this past season, to keep its window for contention open in 2026 and potentially beyond.
But there's been one remaining question lingering for the Blue Jays and that's whether or not a reunion will happen with star shortstop Bo Bichette.
There's been rumors and reports all season the two sides are interested in a reunion. However, the recent signing of Okamoto and the continued presence of single-season playoff hit-king Ernie Clement means less spots on the roster for Bichette.
In a recent appearance on the Foul Territory podcast, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal shared his belief that it's growing "increasingly unlikely" that Bichette will re-sign with Toronto.
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On Thursday, a new potential suitor for Bichette emerged in the National League.
According to a report from Rosenthal and Matt Gelb for the Athletic, the Philadelphia Phillies have emerged as a contender for Bichette.
According to the article the Phillies have a meeting scheduled with the two-time All-Star and have done "extensive work" on the potential roster impacts to signing him.
If Bichette does sign with Philadelphia, it would likely mean the perennial National League contenders would move on from corner infielder Alec Bohm and catcher J.T. Realmuto.
The Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers and the Blue Jays' American League East rivals, the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, are also interested in Bichette, according to Gelb and Rosenthal's reporting.
Despite not being chosen for the Midsummer Classic, Bichette is coming off another All-Star caliber season.
The seven-year veteran slashed .311/.357/.483 with an .840 OPS in 139 games for Toronto this past season. He hit 44 doubles, a triple and 18 home runs with 94 RBIs.
Bichette missed most of the postseason with a left knee injury but was one of the team's best players when it mattered most in the World Series.
In the seven-game championship series against the Dodgers, Bichette slashed .348/.444/.478 with a .922 OPS. He hit one homer and had six RBIs and walked as much as he struck out (four times).
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