Bo Bichette entered this free agent cycle as one of the top bats on the market, but he remains unsigned thus far. The young infielder enjoyed an impressive 2025 regular season and even better postseason in the final year of team control with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Bichette proved that his disappointing 2024 campaign was an outlier, with an outcome that was much more in line with his career norms. He even played at a slightly higher level this past season, posting a career-high 134 wRC+ that ranked 20th among all Major Leaguers.
As his market stagnated, the Los Angeles Dodgers are rumored to have interest in him with a specific set of parameters in mind.
However, a recent report would suggest that the Philadelphia Phillies are currently the frontrunner and the two sides have some confidence a deal will get done, according to Matt Gelb of the Athletic:
The two sides met Monday on a video call, and although those involved declined to reveal details, multiple sources briefed on the meeting said both parties emerged with optimism.
A return to the Blue Jays has been rumored to be unlikely due to the club’s pursuit of Kyle Tucker and their recent signing of Kazuma Okamoto from Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).
The Blue Jays have been one of the most aggressive teams this winter, signing the likes of Dylan Cease, Okamoto, Cody Ponce and Tyler Rogers. Their hope to sign Tucker has seemingly priced them out of Bichette’s market.
The soon-to-be 28-year-old was projected to command a seven-year contract worth about $200 million at the start of the offseason. Whether he is able to negotiate a deal with the Phillies in that same ballpark remains to be seen.
How does Bo Bichette fit with Phillies roster
The Phillies currently have a long jam in their infield and designated hitter spot, so it will be interesting to see what their plan is. They could move on from third baseman Alex Bohm, who is in the final year of his deal. That would open up a spot for Bryson Stott to slot into, although he only has two games of Major League experience at third base.
The Phillies also have Trea Turner at shortstop, but it has been previously reported that Bichette is willing to move to second base.
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