Jun 4, 2023; New York City, New York, USA; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette (11) throws to first base for an out during the seventh inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports John Jones
Bo Bichette will not be a Phillie in 2026.
Instead, Will Sammon of The Athletic hears that Bichette is signing with the division-rival New York Mets for three seasons. Jon Heyman of The New York Post says it is a three-year deal worth $126 million that includes a full no-trade clause. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic says the deal does not have any deferred money and includes opt outs after the first and second season, with a $5 million opt-out bonus. Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports that Bichette will play third base for the Mets.
It is obviously a terrible development for the Phillies on a variety of fronts. First of all, their top competition in the NL East — a night after missing out on Kyle Tucker — has improved. Secondly, they don't get Bichette, who it appeared in recent days they had become the favorites to sign.
While there had been speculation about the Mets as a possible landing spot for Bichette, they hadn't appeared to be at the forefront of his sweepstakes, with outfielders like Tucker and the still-available Cody Bellinger seeming to be better roster fits. It certainly seems like Steve Cohen and the Mets wanted to counter Tucker signing with the Dodgers, and landing Bichette does that.
The question then becomes what will the counter be from the Phillies? Or better yet, will there be a counter from the Phillies? Bellinger is still out there, but there hasn't been much evidence this offseason that the Phillies are really a player for him. The Phillies could pivot to trying to re-sign J.T. Realmuto and/or Harrison Bader, though neither of those signings would measure up to what their top two competitors in the senior circuit have done in the last 24 hours.
We will have more on this story as it comes in...
