The Philadelphia Phillies have emerged as a strong contender in All-Star infielder Bo Bichette’s sweepstakes. However, a potential deal for the two-time All-Star comes with some ramifications for the Phillies.
According to several reports, if Philadelphia lands Bichette in free agency, the team is likely to move third baseman Alec Bohm to accommodate the former Toronto Blue Jays slugger on the roster.
MLB insider Bob Nightengale echoed the sentiment for Bohm during an appearance on the “Foul Territory” podcast this week. During the segment, the MLB insider also pointed to the rising “tension” between the Phillies and former catcher J.T. Realmuto in his free agency negotiations.
Nightengale claimed that if the Phillies sign Bichette, they will drop their pursuit of the veteran catcher.
“They are gonna need to shake up things in a hurry. I think (Alec) Bohm will be gone. … I was told that if they do sign Bo Bichette, that J.T. Realmuto was gone,” Nightengale said.
“They are not that close in negotiations. I think there has been some tension there, just like it was years ago, more tension now. So if they do sign Bichette, I don’t think theres is anyway they bring him back. He’d really have to drop down his demand and what he is asking for.”
Bichette, a two-time All-Star with the Blue Jays, hit .311 with an .840 OPS in 2025. He reportedly declined a one-year $22.025 million qualifying offer from Toronto to become afree agent after the 2025 season.
MLB Insider Believes Phillies’ Payroll Can Accommodate Either Bo Bichette or J.T. Realmuto
Earlier this week, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that there is “some momentum” in a potential deal between the Phillies and Bo Bichette.
“There are other teams… the Dodgers, it’s possible, the Red Sox, maybe. Yankees… Maybe his old Toronto team. But it feels like Philly, it feels like there’s some momentum there to get it done and work it out,” Heyman said.
However, according to MLB’s Todd Zolecki, a deal for the All-Star infielder will come at a price.
The Phillies can’t agree on a deal for both Bichette and Realmuto this offseason, as Philadelphia already has the fourth-highest projected payroll for the 2026 season.
Also Read:
“Trade Alec Bohm” – MLB Insider Unloads Explosive Verdict on Phillies’ Potential Bo Bichette Splash
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