Phillies, Yankees, Cubs, Dodgers, Red Sox, and Blue Jays all on the hunt for a crucial piece in their lineup.
The Phillies have been quietly working behind the scenes to upgrade their roster, despite saying they were committed to re-signing catcher J.T. Realmuto, who remains without an offer. While signing outfielders and bullpen talent has shown promise, the team's interest in free agent shortstop Bo Bichette has now surfaced, according to longtime MLB Insider Jon Heyman.
Bichette, 27, is a two-time All-Star with impressive statistics: a .294 career batting average, .357 on-base percentage, and .483 slugging percentage. In 2025, he hit 18 home runs, drove in 94 runs, and scored 78 runs for the Blue Jays, who ultimately lost to the Dodgers in a thrilling seven-game World Series.
Bichette's skills make him an attractive target for the Phillies, particularly given their need for another right-handed batter. However, his inclusion would require some significant roster adjustments. With shortstop Trea Turner expected to remain with the team in 2026, Bichette's role at shortstop is uncertain.
In fact, reports suggest that Bichette has told teams he's willing to play second base long-term, which could lead to Bryson Stott being traded and Edmundo Sosa shifting into a utility role. The addition of Bichette would also mark a shift away from re-signing Realmuto, with the Phillies looking to find cost-efficient alternatives behind the plate.
A potential benefit for the Phillies is that Bichette's inclusion could provide a solution to their lack of a true cleanup hitter. With Turner leading off and Bryce Harper in the three-hole, Bichette would bat third, allowing the team to go right-lefty for at least four consecutive batters. Furthermore, Bichette would reunite with Don Mattingly, who is expected to be named the Phillies' new bench coach after stepping away from that role with the Blue Jays.
The question remains whether the Phillies can navigate these roster moves while staying under the luxury tax threshold. With several big-market teams vying for Bichette's attention – including the Yankees, Cubs, Dodgers, Red Sox, and Blue Jays – it will be crucial for the Phillies to carefully consider their strategy if they decide to pursue this coveted free agent.
The Phillies have been quietly working behind the scenes to upgrade their roster, despite saying they were committed to re-signing catcher J.T. Realmuto, who remains without an offer. While signing outfielders and bullpen talent has shown promise, the team's interest in free agent shortstop Bo Bichette has now surfaced, according to longtime MLB Insider Jon Heyman.
Bichette, 27, is a two-time All-Star with impressive statistics: a .294 career batting average, .357 on-base percentage, and .483 slugging percentage. In 2025, he hit 18 home runs, drove in 94 runs, and scored 78 runs for the Blue Jays, who ultimately lost to the Dodgers in a thrilling seven-game World Series.
Bichette's skills make him an attractive target for the Phillies, particularly given their need for another right-handed batter. However, his inclusion would require some significant roster adjustments. With shortstop Trea Turner expected to remain with the team in 2026, Bichette's role at shortstop is uncertain.
In fact, reports suggest that Bichette has told teams he's willing to play second base long-term, which could lead to Bryson Stott being traded and Edmundo Sosa shifting into a utility role. The addition of Bichette would also mark a shift away from re-signing Realmuto, with the Phillies looking to find cost-efficient alternatives behind the plate.
A potential benefit for the Phillies is that Bichette's inclusion could provide a solution to their lack of a true cleanup hitter. With Turner leading off and Bryce Harper in the three-hole, Bichette would bat third, allowing the team to go right-lefty for at least four consecutive batters. Furthermore, Bichette would reunite with Don Mattingly, who is expected to be named the Phillies' new bench coach after stepping away from that role with the Blue Jays.
The question remains whether the Phillies can navigate these roster moves while staying under the luxury tax threshold. With several big-market teams vying for Bichette's attention – including the Yankees, Cubs, Dodgers, Red Sox, and Blue Jays – it will be crucial for the Phillies to carefully consider their strategy if they decide to pursue this coveted free agent.
dont think they should give up on mattingly tho, he was a sick bench coach wit blue jays 
, but I guess you never know what's gonna happen in baseball. The idea of Bichette playing second base is kinda neat - it'd be a nice change of pace from the usual shortstop/second baseman dynamic. But tbh, I'm still on the fence about this whole thing. Can we just get some actual depth at catcher already? 
The luxury tax threshold is always a consideration, but if they can make it work, Bichette's skills would be a nice addition to the team.
like he's a lockout candidate now 
not sure what to think about the phillys pursuing him tho...they gotta make some big cuts if they wanna stay under the luxury tax 
their bullpen was already kinda leaky last year, but hey maybe they can find another superstar in free agency? 
his avg is still only .250 tho...could he be the phillys' new cleanup hitter? 
btw, if the phils get bo bichette, they'll have 3 hitters with 40+ homers in a row 
their rotation was basically the worst in the league...maybe they should just give bo bichette a max contract already? 
, I would've thought that signing Bo Bichette now is crazy talk 
! Remember when Ryan Howard was dominating and Jimmy Rollins was our shortstop? Now they're trying to figure out who's gonna bat third behind Bryce Harper. And what's up with the Phillies not re-signing J.T. Realmuto? Didn't he have that contract extension a few years ago? It's like, what's going on over there in Philly? 
And having Don Mattingly as their new bench coach will definitely bring some stability and experience to the team 
. The real question is, can they pull it off without breaking the bank? 
It's gonna be interesting to see how this all plays out 
. And what's up with Trea Turner staying put? That would just create a mess at shortstop. Plus, they'd have to find some new catcher, which is no easy feat. The problem is, Philly needs someone to hit cleanup for them, but Bichette's a bit pricey 
. And with Don Mattingly coming on board as bench coach, I think they've got a good chance of getting it all sorted out.
. I know some fans are worried about J.T. Realmuto's future, but let's not forget that they're actively trying to upgrade their roster behind the scenes 
. And can you blame them? Bo Bichette is an absolute beast on the field 
- a two-time All-Star with insane stats! The guy could be a game-changer for Philly, especially if he can take over at second base and free up some space in the lineup 
. It's also interesting to see Bryson Stott possibly getting traded away... I mean, we know the Phillies love their young players, but sometimes you gotta make tough decisions 
. Either way, it's gonna be a wild ride with Bichette on the table - fingers crossed they can pull off this crazy roster overhaul 
️! But, can they afford him? 
. like, .483 slugging percentage is crazy! and it'd be sick to see him play 3rd for philly, but it's gonna be tough to make roster moves without breaking the bank 
. maybe mattingly's new gig as bench coach will help with this whole thing? 
. They want Bo Bichette, who is super talented 
️, but it would mean trading Bryson Stott and Edmundo Sosa 
.
He's been putting up crazy numbers in Toronto and his skills would definitely give them an edge. Plus, he'd be reunited with Don Mattingly which is cool