The Philadelphia Phillies have been active earlier on this offseason, but have gone quiet in the past three weeks. The stove looks to be heating up, as the Phillies are set to meet with star infielder Bo Bichette on Monday. With Dave Dombrowski looking to shake up the roster, Bichette would fit perfectly in their lineup.
Phillies Interested In Bo Bichette
According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Phillies have a virtual meeting scheduled with Bo Bichette next Monday. The team’s postseason struggles have largely stemmed from a lack of offensive firepower, which is a weakness Bichette has a track record of addressing.
He showcased his ability to perform on baseball’s biggest stage by slashing .348 with a home run and six RBI in the World Series. With Dave Dombrowski eager to pair another elite bat alongside Bryce Harper, Philadelphia could be poised to make a major push for one of the top hitters available this offseason.
Although Bichette is an ideal addition to the lineup, his defensive fit presents challenges. With Trea Turner locked into shortstop on a long-term deal, Bichette would need to transition to either second or third base. Given his weaker arm, second base is the more natural spot, which could force the Phillies to part ways with either Alec Bohm or Bryson Stott. As Bohm has been on the trade block for some time, Stott could easily slide over to third base, which is a position he is well-equipped to handle.
With contract negotiations stalling with Catcher J.T. Realmuto, the Phillies may look to reallocate those resources. Bichette represents the type of dynamic bat the lineup has been missing for years. As the National League grows more competitive, Philadelphia’s need for another high-impact hitter with postseason experience becomes even more urgent. Adding Bichette would also provide Bryce Harper with much-needed lineup protection.
Don Mattingly Is Playing A Huge Role
Don Mattingly’s arrival as the Philadelphia Phillies’ new bench coach is already making an impact. According to Bob Nightengale, the Phillies’ interest in signing Bichette emerged after the holidays, spurred by Bichette’s own desire to join the team, especially following Mattingly’s hiring. Mattingly previously worked closely with Bichette in Toronto, serving as both bench coach and offensive coordinator under manager John Schneider for three seasons.
The Philadelphia Phillies appear to have the upper hand among teams pursuing Bo Bichette. His addition would immediately bolster a club with championship aspirations. President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski could cement one of the most impressive offseasons in Major League Baseball, filling key roster gaps and transforming a team many doubted would make any significant moves this winter.
