The Philadelphia Phillies have scheduled a virtual meeting with free-agent infielder Bo Bichette as they explore roster changes amid stalled negotiations with catcher J.T. Realmuto. Sources indicate the meeting could occur as early as Monday, January 12, though signing Bichette would require significant moves, including trading third baseman Alec Bohm. Interest in the 27-year-old shortstop is growing from multiple teams, complicating Philadelphia's pursuit.
The Philadelphia Phillies, coming off a 96-win season that fell short of championship expectations, are actively pursuing Toronto Blue Jays free agent Bo Bichette to bolster their infield. Multiple sources, including The Athletic and MLB.com, confirmed on Thursday that Phillies officials plan to meet with Bichette via video conference in the coming days. MLB Network's Jon Heyman reported the meeting is set for Monday, while USA Today specified January 12.
Bichette, who turns 28 in March, enjoyed a strong 2025 season with the American League champion Blue Jays, posting an OPS+ of 129 and 3.5 WAR over 139 games. Primarily a shortstop, he has expressed willingness to shift to second or third base, positions he has limited experience at—32 innings at second in the World Series and minor-league time there, but none at third. For the Phillies, this could mean moving Bryson Stott to third, where he debuted in 2022.
However, accommodating Bichette would demand tough decisions. The Phillies cannot retain both him and Realmuto, their three-time All-Star catcher whose negotiations have stalled despite an offer on the table. They would also likely trade Bohm, who settled on a $10.2 million salary for 2026 via arbitration. Additional salary relief might involve offloading right fielder Nick Castellanos and part of his $20 million contract. Philadelphia's 2026 payroll is projected at $304 million, exceeding the luxury-tax threshold and incurring a 110% penalty on excess spending.
If signed, Bichette—seeking a long-term deal worth at least $250 million—would jolt the lineup, but the Phillies would need a catching replacement, such as free agent Victor Caratini or a trade for someone like Minnesota's Ryan Jeffers. Current options Rafael Marchán and Garrett Stubbs lack starting experience.
Bichette's market is heating up beyond Philadelphia. The New York Yankees are looking more seriously due to gaps in talks with outfielder Cody Bellinger, potentially creating a shortstop opening with Anthony Volpe recovering from shoulder surgery. The Chicago Cubs, fresh off acquiring starter Edward Cabrera, have shown interest alongside pursuits of Alex Bregman and Bellinger. The Los Angeles Dodgers view him as a second-base option on a shorter, higher-salary deal, while the Boston Red Sox and even the Blue Jays remain in the mix, though Toronto's reunion chances fade after signing third baseman Kazuma Okamoto and eyeing Kyle Tucker.
The recent hiring of Don Mattingly as bench coach, who coached Bichette in Toronto, adds a personal connection. Phillies executives acknowledge the pursuit as a long shot but are committed to exploring it, potentially reshaping their roster for another World Series push.
