Bo Bichette reportedly is seeking a $300-million contract as the Phillies enter the mix for the free-agent star
According to a report from the New York Post’s Jon Heyman, Bichette is scheduled to have a meeting with the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday.
Another team reportedly has entered the fray for free-agent infielder Bo Bichette.
According to a report from the New York Post’s Jon Heyman, Bichette is scheduled to have a meeting with the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday. Heyman also reported that Bichette is seeking as much as $300 million (U.S.) on his next contract.
Boston, the Chicago Cubs, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Blue Jays previously were connected to Bichette. It’s unclear whether other teams are still in the mix as the 27-year-old ponders his next steps following parts of seven seasons in Toronto.
The Blue Jays, for all their spending, are still one signing from a dream off-season
Blue Jays
Opinion
Gregor Chisholm: The Blue Jays, for all their spending, are still one signing from a dream off-season
The Phillies already employ an all-star shortstop in Trea Turner, which means Bichette would need to switch positions if he signed with Philadelphia. A report from The Athletic suggested the Phillies are considering Bichette as a replacement for Alec Bohm at third base. That strategy seems flawed because Bichette’s arm strength is better suited for second, where the Phillies currently have Bryson Stott.
The fact that news of the meeting leaked before it took place could be an attempt by Bichette’s camp to drive up interest in his market. He remains one of the top position players available, along with outfielder Kyle Tucker and infielder Alex Bregman.
If Bichette returns, to the Jays it would either be at shortstop or second. Whichever spot he doesn’t take would go to Andrés Giménez with 2025 standout Ernie Clement forced into a super-utility role. If Tucker signs with Toronto, the playing time for Anthony Santander or Addison Barger will be reduced.
Bichette earned $17.58 million with the Jays last season. He finished the year tied for second in the majors with 181 hits despite missing most of September — and then a large chunk of the playoffs — with a knee injury. The two-time all-star is a lifetime .294 hitter with 111 home runs and a productive .806 on-base-plus-slugging percentage.
Get all the scores and essential coverage for the Leafs, Raptors, Jays and much more, delivered daily.
Enter email address
Yes, I’d also like to receive customized content suggestions and promotional messages from the Star.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply.
Gregor Chisholm
Gregor Chisholm is a Toronto-based baseball columnist for the Star. Follow him on X: @GregorChisholm or reach him via email: [email protected].
Leave a Reply