Phillies Eye Bo Bichette in Potential Offseason Trade

The Philadelphia Phillies have once again found themselves linked to a high-profile free agent, this time in the form of shortstop Bo Bichette.

While the club’s offseason has already included significant moves, interest in Bichette raises meaningful questions about roster flexibility, payroll limits, and the future of the Phillies’ infield.

Here’s a deeper look at what this possible pursuit could mean.

Phillies Join Crowded Market for Bo Bichette

According to industry chatter, the Phillies are among several big-market teams that have at least checked in on Bo Bichette’s free-agent market.

They join the Blue Jays, Red Sox, Yankees, Cubs, and Dodgers—a who’s who of franchises unafraid to spend at the top of the market.

Philadelphia’s involvement might just be due diligence.

Still, even exploratory talks hint that the front office is open to reshaping a roster that already reached contender status.

What the Phillies Have Done So Far

The Phillies haven’t exactly been idle this winter.

President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski addressed several needs, especially in the middle of the order and the bullpen.

• Re-signed Kyle Schwarber to a five-year, $150 million contract
• Added Adolis García on a one-year deal
• Revamped the bullpen through trades and free agent signings

Infield Stability vs. Infield Opportunity

On the surface, shortstop doesn’t look like an area of need.

Trea Turner delivered one of his best all-around seasons in 2025, slashing .304/.355/.457 with 36 stolen bases and a 125 wRC+.

Just as importantly, his defense rebounded.

Turner posted 2 Defensive Runs Saved and an impressive 16 Outs Above Average, reaffirming his place as the everyday shortstop.

Bichette’s Willingness to Change Positions

Bichette has told teams he’s open to moving off shortstop.

He played second base extensively in the minors and even saw brief action there during the World Series, making that an obvious landing spot in Philadelphia.

Such a move would keep Turner at short but create a ripple effect across the infield.

Defensive Concerns and Roster Dominoes

Bichette remains an elite offensive talent, but his defense has become a growing concern.

In 2025, he registered -12 DRS and -13 OAA, ranking poorly among MLB shortstops.

Advanced metrics paint an even bleaker picture.

Bichette grades in just the 36th percentile in arm strength and the 21st percentile in sprint speed.

The Bryson Stott and Alec Bohm Question

If Bichette slides to second base, Bryson Stott would likely be pushed to third.

Stott hit a respectable .257/.328/.391 in 2025 and provided roughly league-average defense, but he has limited big-league experience at the hot corner.

That shuffle could leave Alec Bohm without a clear role.

Coming off a modest offensive and defensive downturn and entering his final year of team control, Bohm could quickly become a trade candidate.

Payroll Implications and Front Office Calculations

All of this ultimately circles back to money.

MLBTR projects Bichette’s free-agent deal at eight years and $208 million, roughly a $26 million annual commitment.

Even if the Phillies traded Bohm—saving an estimated $10.3 million in arbitration—their projected 2026 payroll would hover around $281 million.

Due Diligence or Bold Intent?

No one really knows if the Phillies are truly eyeing Bichette or just poking around for info as the market heats up.

But let’s be honest—his bat in that lineup? That’s a pretty tempting thought.

Landing Bichette could give the offense a serious boost and shake up the infield.

Of course, it might also make payroll and roster decisions a whole lot trickier.

For a team chasing a title in the rough-and-tumble National League, this is the kind of headache that comes with the territory.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Phillies Interested In Bo Bichette