The Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly in talks with free-agent infielder Bo Bichette, according to sources. The Athletic first reported that the Phillies and Bichette, who will turn 28 in March, plan to meet soon. MLB Network insider Jon Heyman stated the meeting is scheduled for Monday.
A source told MLB.com that while acquiring Bichette is possible, it remains a long shot due to his high asking price and interest from other large-market teams. Signing Bichette would likely require the Phillies to part ways with catcher J.T. Realmuto and possibly third baseman Alec Bohm.
The team cannot sign both Bichette and Realmuto under current payroll constraints. Additionally, adding Bichette would mean trading an infielder to clear more salary space, with Bohm being the most likely candidate given his $10.2 million salary this year compared to Bryson Stott’s $5.9 million.
The Phillies’ projected 2026 payroll is set to exceed Major League Baseball’s fourth luxury-tax threshold at $304 million. Spending above this level triggers a 110 percent tax on every additional dollar. The organization is willing to surpass the threshold for a second consecutive year but has acknowledged financial limits.
Negotiations between the Phillies and Realmuto have stalled despite what was described as a legitimate offer on the table before Kyle Schwarber was re-signed last month. If Realmuto had agreed to terms earlier, sources said meetings with top-tier free agents like Bichette may not be happening.
One source noted that “the Phillies aren’t pursuing Bregman, who turns 32 in March, as they are Bichette.”
Should the Phillies acquire Bichette, they would need another catcher and are expected to consider free agent Victor Caratini or explore trade options. Currently, Rafael Marchán and Garrett Stubbs are the only catchers on their 40-man roster, both out of minor league options.
Bichette could play third or second base if signed by Philadelphia, though he has limited experience at those positions outside of postseason play and some minor league games. If he plays second base, Stott would likely shift to third—a position he played when making the 2022 Opening Day roster.
The Philadelphia Phillies represent a professional baseball team in Major League Baseball’s National League and have operated from Philadelphia since their origins in the 19th century (official website). They play home games at Citizens Bank Park and serve both local fans and a broader national audience through games and events (official website).
