The Philadelphia Phillies reportedly hold an edge in the sweepstakes for this star free agent.
The Philadelphia Phillies are aiming to add another bat in free agency, which is actually somewhat surprising based on the fact that it looked like they were done spending big money after re-signing Kyle Schwarber.
Nevertheless, the Phillies have emerged as one of the top landing spots for infielder Bo Bichette, who met with Philadelphia via video call on Monday and apparently had a good conversation with the ballclub.
Actually, the Phillies may be the very top destination for the two-time All-Star. Why? Matt Gelb of The Athletic revealed the reason Philadelphia may have the inside track to Bichette.
"The Boston Red Sox might be more desperate. The Los Angeles Dodgers might be mightier. The New York Yankees might have a better sales pitch. But the Phillies might be the only team willing to extend to six, seven or eight years to sign Bichette," Gelb wrote.
Bichette was said to be asking for $300 million in totality, but the chances of him landing that much money seem relatively slim.
However, based on the fact that Alex Bregman — who is four years older than Bichette at 31 — bagged a five-year, $175 million contract from the Chicago Cubs, it stands to reason that Bichette may be able to secure a deal worth in the neighborhood of $35 million annually.
Bo Bichette. Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images.Would Philadelphia will be willing to give that to him, though?
We know Bichette is a terrific hitter. He slashed .311/.357/.483 with 18 home runs and 94 RBI over 628 plate appearance with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2025, and he owns a lifetime .806 OPS since entering the majors in 2019.
That is fantastic for a shortstop. The problem is that Bichette is also a horrendous defensive player, so much so that he will have to change positions if he heads to the Phillies.
Bichette would either play second or third base in Philadelphia, which could require Bryson Stott to move over to the hot corner. Either that, or Bichette would straight up slide in at third base. Alec Bohm would get traded in either scenario.
While those are both easier positions than shortstop, it seems hard to envision Bichette suddenly becoming a wizard — or even league average — at either of those two spots.
So would the Phillies really want to give a seven or eight-year deal to Bichette? It remains to be seen, but Philadelphia is desperate to add another bat alongside of Schwarber and Bryce Harper.