On Saturday evening, a report from Major League Baseball insider Jon Heyman sparked the Philadelphia Phillies rumor mill once again.
Heyman mentioned that the Phillies were among other top-market teams that were interested in signing veteran shortstop Bo Bichette. Bichette, a former Toronto Blue Jay, is the best remaining infielder in free agency. Despite having a full starting unit in the infield, the move could make sense for the Phillies.With reports of Alec Bohm being on the trade block, Bichette could potentially move to third base to replace the longtime Phillie. The veteran shortstop has committed to potentially playing second base for a new team. If the money is right, I do not believe Bichette would ignore conversation about moving to the hot corner as well.
Another factor to include in this discussion relates to the club's next bench coach. It was all but confirmed by Dave Dombrowski at the Winter Meetings that Don Mattingly will fill the team's vacancy in this role. Mattingly was most recently with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he reportedly has a good relationship with Bichette.
Bichette has plenty of factors to consider, and a team's bench coach is certainly lower on the list. At the end of the day, it cannot hurt the Phillies' odds in any way.
If the team does land Bichette, that would likely conclude the J.T. Realmuto era with the Phillies.
The budget for 2026 appears to be tightening after several offseason additions. The consensus around the team is that catcher is their final move before the season begins in March. It is expected that Realmuto will return to Philly, but as time draws on, more uncertainty grows.
Rafael Marchan and Garrett Stubbs are both under contract for next season. They would be the team's battery behind the plate if no other move is made. With scarce options in free agency, it appears that Realmuto might be the only player the team would consider signing.
Heyman's report could also serve another purpose. If the Phillies truly grow tired of waiting for an answer from their former catcher, they might be trying to prompt a response. If Realmuto and his representatives feel the team would no longer pursue him in a scenario such as this, it might force them to make a choice.
Per Heyman's report, the Phillies are joined by the New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays. The price for Bichette will undoubtedly be high.
Entering his age 28 season, you would be adding a player entering his prime. Last season, Bichette finished with the third-most hits (181), tied for the second-best batting average (.311) and finished second in doubles (44). He is a contact-first hitter who does not strike out often. He finished last season with a 14.5 strikeout percentage.
Bichette would instantly deepen the Phillies lineup and provide protection for Bryce Harper.
Bichette is not a need, however. Realmuto fills a need with the vacancy at catcher. Do the Phillies try something out of the box?
Time will tell where the veteran shortstop will land. The same applies to where Realmuto will land as well. After all, are the 51 days until the Phillies suit up for Spring Training action.
Would you rather the Phillies sign Realmuto or Bichette? Let us know your thoughts.
