Bo Bichette remains one of the most intriguing names still available, and for a long stretch it appeared a return to the Toronto Blue Jays was all but certain. That outlook has changed as his market has heated up, with several teams now viewing him as more than just a shortstop.
MLB insider Jon Morosi reported that Bichette has drawn interest from multiple clubs willing to deploy him at second or third base due to already having established shortstops, a shift that has only boosted his value following his World Series performance.
Among those showing serious interest are the Philadelphia Phillies, who appear to be making a strong push for the power-hitting infielder. Bichette is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting with Philadelphia on Monday.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, citing an official familiar with the discussions, confirmed a report from The Athletic that the Phillies have set a virtual meeting with Bichette for Monday, Jan. 12, to explore the possibility of bringing him to Philadelphia.
As momentum builds, Sportsnaut’s Matt Johnson believes the Phillies are in prime position to land Bichette — but not before making a key roster move. Johnson suggests Philadelphia would first deal Alec Bohm to clear the way.
“For months, it felt inevitable that Bo Bichette would return to the Toronto Blue Jays and spend the bulk of his career alongside Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Now, that door appears genuinely open to closing,” Johnson wrote. “Bichette has emerged as a target for the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs. Chicago is worth monitoring after acquiring a cost-controlled starter in Edward Cabrera and freeing up payroll with Kyle Tucker headed elsewhere. Still, this feels like the moment Philadelphia pounces on a top free agent whose market has been slow to fully take shape. Alec Bohm is traded, and the Phillies soon announce the signing of Bichette.”
Philadelphia has already been weighing the possibility of moving Bohm, and if Bichette is the return on that decision, it would be an easy call for the organization.
After falling short against the Houston Astros in the World Series a few years ago, the Phillies are hungry for another run at a championship. Adding a star like Bichette would represent a franchise-altering move and could significantly elevate their World Series aspirations.