The Philadelphia Phillies entered the latter stages of the offseason with optimism that a major infield upgrade could be on the horizon, but that hope took a sharp turn on Friday afternoon. News broke that free-agent infielder Bo Bichette had agreed to a deal with the New York Mets, delivering a frustrating blow to Philadelphia’s plans. Losing out on a premier talent is difficult enough, but seeing that player land with a National League East rival only deepened the disappointment. The sting was amplified further by reports that the Phillies had been aggressive in their pursuit, reportedly putting a $200 million offer on the table in an effort to bring Bichette to Philadelphia.
As damaging as missing out on Bichette was in the short term, the ripple effects of his decision may prove just as significant. According to reporting from Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the outcome of Bichette’s free agency has meaningful implications for the Phillies’ internal plans, particularly regarding third baseman Alec Bohm and his long-term future with the organization.
Phillies losing Bichette to Mets is big news for Bohm
“After Bichette’s decision, the Phillies quickly reached agreement with J.T. Realmuto on a three-year, $45 million deal, league sources said,” Gelb writes. “They could still shuffle their infield by trading third baseman Alec Bohm, but that is unlikely.”
Bichette’s choice to join the Mets set off a rapid chain reaction for the Phillies’ front office. Shortly after the news became public, Philadelphia finalized a deal to bring back J.T. Realmuto on a three-year contract worth $45 million, with incentives that could push the total value to $60 million. That move effectively shut the door on the possibility of a dramatic reshaping of both the infield and catcher positions, something many fans had anticipated if Bichette had arrived.
Instead of ushering in a new era with a revamped infield, the Phillies appear set to largely maintain the status quo. Realmuto’s return solidifies stability behind the plate, while Bohm’s situation remains unchanged despite years of speculation. Trade rumors surrounding Bohm have surfaced in multiple consecutive offseasons, yet Philadelphia has consistently been unable or unwilling to find a deal that makes sense.
This winter felt like the most realistic opportunity for a Bohm trade to materialize. With the Phillies aggressively pursuing Bichette, Bohm could have become expendable as part of a broader infield reconfiguration. However, Bichette’s move to New York eliminated that pathway, leaving Philadelphia without a clear alternative plan.
As a result, Bohm now appears likely to remain the Phillies’ starting third baseman for the 2026 season. That decision comes with added urgency, as Bohm is set to reach free agency next offseason. The organization will eventually need to determine whether he fits into their long-term vision or whether they are comfortable allowing him to walk.
For now, despite persistent rumors and outside speculation, Bohm is staying in Philadelphia. His continued presence underscores how significantly the Bichette decision altered the Phillies’ offseason strategy and highlights the limited flexibility they have moving forward without their top free-agent target.