The Philadelphia Phillies have been mentioned in quite a few rumors so far during the MLB offseason. However, they have not been very aggressive to this point.
To this point in the offseason, the Phillies’ biggest moves have been signing veteran relief pitcher Brad Keller and outfielder Adolis Garcia. Kyle Schwarber was also re-signed to a lucrative five-year, $150 million contract.
After another postseason disappointment last year, fans are hoping to see Philadelphia take a big swing in free agency. One potential name that has been brought up for the Phillies recently is Toronto Blue Jays star shortstop Bo Bichette. He is expected by many to switch positions with a new team.
On Monday, January 12, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that Philadelphia is currently the front-runner to sign Bichette.
“If I had to guess right now, I would say they’re the favorite,” Rosenthal said.
Bichette would be the kind of splash signing that the Phillies need to become a more serious contender in the National League. However, there are other teams involved in the Bichette sweepstakes.
Philadelphia Phillies Facing Competition for Bo Bichette
There are multiple other teams involved in Bichette’s free agency market.
At this point in time, the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Toronto Blue Jays remain potential options for Bichette. Despite interest from other teams, the Phillies still seem to have an inside track.
According to a report from The Athletic, a signing of Bichette would cause potential roster fallout for Philadelphia. The report also shared what the Phillies’ plans for Bichette would be, including a change to third base.
“According to The Athletic, the addition of Bichette would likely mean moving on from catcher J.T. Realmuto, for salary reasons, and third baseman Alec Bohm, to free up room in the infield,” the report read. “With Trea Turner and Bryson Stott set at shortstop and second base, Bichette would move to third base, which he is reportedly willing to do.”
Philadelphia will need to get aggressive if it wants to lock in Bichette. After losing out on Alex Bregman, the Red Sox could ramp up their pursuit of the two-time All-Star. The Yankees could also increase their interest in Bichette if Cody Bellinger leaves town.
Should the Phillies sign Bichette, they would face a high price for the move. In addition to the contract they would need to pay him, Philadelphia would have to give up a second and sixth-round draft pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, along with $1 million in international bonus pool money. That price is due to Bichette declining the Blue Jays’ qualifying offer.
What Would Bo Bichette Bring to the Phillies?
During the 2025 MLB season with Toronto, Bichette played in 139 games. He hit 18 home runs to go along with 94 RBI and a slash line of .311/.357/.483.
His numbers have looked good, although his durability has been questionable.
With Bregman now off the market, Bichette’s free agency could pick up speed quickly. For the Phillies, signing Bichette would bring in an intriguing bat and a player who could be a long-term piece of the puzzle at 27 years old.
Expect to hear more about Bichette and Philadelphia in the very near future.
Phillies Fans Will Love This Massive Update About Star Free Agent