On Jan. 8, The Athletic’s Matt Gelb and Ken Rosenthal reported, citing multiple league sources, that the Philadelphia Phillies scheduled a meeting with free-agent infielder Bo Bichette and that the club has also mapped out the potential roster dominoes that would follow a deal.
Moreover, the report from Gelb and Rosenthal reveals that should the Phillies land one of the top free agents on the market, it would mean that Philadelphia would be willing to part ways with J.T. Realmuto and Alec Bohm.
The two reporters note that it’s challenging to envision any scenario where the Phillies sign Bichette and Realmuto. Nonetheless, former MLB general manager Jim Duquette shared his thoughts on the Phillies potentially signing Bichette.
“I really think the fit would be fantastic, just in the sense of Bo adding a younger player to their roster, which they need,” Duquette said in a Jan. 9 video posted by MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM. “There are people in Philly that talk about the core, and they’re over the core. You can add a player or two without just trashing the core, like what the Mets have done. So there is an in-between, between keeping it the same and getting rid of four guys all at one swoop.
“Maybe this would be a nice little addition. I think it would be a nice addition to play third. We talked about the fit in terms of like, ‘OK, well, can we start looking at places for Alec Bohm in that scenario?’ I think that you could move them to any of these teams that are trying to improve.”
Blue Jays Urged to Keep Bo Bichette
As for the Toronto Blue Jays, they are linked to free-agent hitter Kyle Tucker and potentially bringing back Bichette, who came up through their farm system. Furthermore, former MLB player Jake Peavy believes that bringing back Bichette is the right move over pursuing Tucker.
“For me, a shortstop signing Bo Bichette, keeping Bichette in that uniform, makes a whole lot more sense than adding another outfielder when Addison Barger has really solidified himself in right field, and you’re going to do what you’re doing in left,” Peavy said during a Jan. 6 appearance on MLB Network.
“Adding [Kazuma Okamoto] is 40-home-run-potential power. If you’re adding huge depth to your lineup, this is a nice move. I hope it also leaves room for Bo to get in there. I don’t know on the Kyle Tucker front. It just seems unlikely for me.”
Bo Bichette Outlook Amid Phillies Reported Interest
Interest in Bichette continues to grow, as the Phillies navigate an increasingly competitive market. The Athletic’s report also notes that Several big-spending teams are monitoring the situation closely.
The Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox are seeking infield upgrades, with Bichette and Alex Bregman among the leading targets.
Additionally, the Los Angeles Dodgers remain a potential landing spot and could view Bichette as a second base option, especially if a shorter contract with a higher annual value appeals. The New York Yankees may also surface as a contender if efforts to retain Cody Bellinger come up short.
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