Phillies in Talks with Bichette, but Will He Be Worth the Cost?
The Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly meeting with 27-year-old star infielder Bo Bichette, sparking speculation about whether he's worth the potential chain reaction of moves it could lead to.
Bichette has been a career .294 hitter with some pop, hitting 18 home runs last season and making a World Series appearance with the Blue Jays in October. He also forms a connection with new bench coach Don Mattingly from Toronto. However, the Phillies' interest is complicated by several factors.
The slow negotiations with catcher J.T. Realmuto are tied directly to Bichette's potential signing. If the Phillies acquire him, they would be giving up one of their best catchers not just in terms of on-field performance but also as a clubhouse leader behind the plate.
Additionally, Bichette's contract could come at a hefty price tag that would push the Phillies over the luxury tax threshold for the third time this offseason. The team might have to shed some salary, but it remains unclear whether other teams would be willing to take on significant contracts like Nick Castellanos ($20 million) and Taijuan Walker ($18 million).
Furthermore, if Bichette signs with the Phillies, one of the team's infielders – likely Alec Bohm or Bryson Stott – could be traded to make room. Bohm has raw potential that teams might find attractive but would be entering his second year of free agency next season and therefore less valuable.
Moreover, teaching Bichette a new position – he's never played anything other than shortstop or DH with the Blue Jays – is also a possibility if one of the infielders is traded.
Bichette has mostly hit leadoff and second in his career, but the Phillies have solidified their top two spots in the lineup. If Bichette joins, potential lineups could see him sharing the third spot with Trea Turner or Kyle Schwarber.
There are several teams interested in Bichette, so it's unclear which direction the Phillies will take. The team would be wise to weigh all its options carefully before making any decisions.
The Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly meeting with 27-year-old star infielder Bo Bichette, sparking speculation about whether he's worth the potential chain reaction of moves it could lead to.
Bichette has been a career .294 hitter with some pop, hitting 18 home runs last season and making a World Series appearance with the Blue Jays in October. He also forms a connection with new bench coach Don Mattingly from Toronto. However, the Phillies' interest is complicated by several factors.
The slow negotiations with catcher J.T. Realmuto are tied directly to Bichette's potential signing. If the Phillies acquire him, they would be giving up one of their best catchers not just in terms of on-field performance but also as a clubhouse leader behind the plate.
Additionally, Bichette's contract could come at a hefty price tag that would push the Phillies over the luxury tax threshold for the third time this offseason. The team might have to shed some salary, but it remains unclear whether other teams would be willing to take on significant contracts like Nick Castellanos ($20 million) and Taijuan Walker ($18 million).
Furthermore, if Bichette signs with the Phillies, one of the team's infielders – likely Alec Bohm or Bryson Stott – could be traded to make room. Bohm has raw potential that teams might find attractive but would be entering his second year of free agency next season and therefore less valuable.
Moreover, teaching Bichette a new position – he's never played anything other than shortstop or DH with the Blue Jays – is also a possibility if one of the infielders is traded.
Bichette has mostly hit leadoff and second in his career, but the Phillies have solidified their top two spots in the lineup. If Bichette joins, potential lineups could see him sharing the third spot with Trea Turner or Kyle Schwarber.
There are several teams interested in Bichette, so it's unclear which direction the Phillies will take. The team would be wise to weigh all its options carefully before making any decisions.
Why do sports GMs always have to make trade decisions that involve "gutting" a player? Like, what even is that? 
A guy's gotta eat, right? 
I think the Phillies are taking a huge risk by pursuing Bo Bichette 
. On one hand, he's an incredibly talented player with a .294 career average, but on the other hand, they'd be giving up a proven leader in J.T. Realmuto 
. The potential cost of acquiring Bichette is just too high 
. I mean, $20 million and more for Castellanos and Walker? That's a lot to take on 
. And what about Bohm or Stott getting traded away? 
They're still young players with a lot of potential.
. Maybe they can find another player who fits better in their lineup? 
, but he's never played anywhere other than shortstop or DH, so that could be a major learning curve for him. And let's not forget about the cost – if they sign him, they'll have to figure out who to trade or cut loose from their roster. Alec Bohm is an interesting case, though... has some raw talent, but might not be ready for prime time just yet 
... and i feel like they're playin a game of musical chairs with their infielders, tryin to find that perfect balance... will bichette fit in at shortstop or dh, or is he better suited somewhere else entirely? 
.
i mean, $20 mil castellanos might seem reasonable but compared to bichette's potential contract? that's just crazy 
but yeah, bichette would bring a whole new level of pop to the team... 
The potential lineups with Bichette could be insane, though - Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber would be so sick in that third spot together! 
I remember when we had guys like Brad Lidge and Jimmy Rollins on the Phillies - they could've gotten a whole season without breaking the bank 
.