Phillies Target Bo Bichette, Castellanos Trade Talks, Wheeler Update

The Philadelphia Phillies made headlines this week by officially bringing back star catcher J.T. Realmuto. The celebration came with plenty of intrigue.

During a Zoom media session, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski and manager Rob Thomson opened up about the club’s offseason strategy. They touched on a near-miss with Bo Bichette, looming payroll headaches, and tricky roster decisions still ahead.

Realmuto Returns After a Roller-Coaster Negotiation

Realmuto’s re-signing wasn’t as straightforward as it looked. Behind the scenes, the Phillies briefly braced for a future without their franchise catcher while chasing one of the market’s biggest names.

A Narrow Miss on Bo Bichette

Dombrowski said Philadelphia came close to landing Bo Bichette. Talks reportedly circled around a seven-year deal worth $190–200 million.

The Phillies thought the negotiations were genuine, but no agreement ever materialized before the Mets swooped in and closed the deal. The front office had warned Realmuto’s camp that the team might pivot if the Bichette talks worked out.

When Bichette signed elsewhere, the Phillies called Realmuto’s reps within an hour. Dombrowski called losing Bichette a “gut punch”.

Payroll Realities Shape the Phillies’ Offseason

With Realmuto back, the Phillies’ financial flexibility has basically disappeared. The numbers make it clear why Dombrowski hinted the club is just about done with major moves.

Luxury Tax Implications

The projected payroll now sits just above $281 million. Luxury tax obligations are over $317 million.

Any new spending gets taxed at a wild 110 percent rate, so even small upgrades cost a fortune. Dombrowski said the team might still look for opportunities, but big additions are unlikely unless they come cheap or through some creative roster shuffling.

Nick Castellanos Likely on the Way Out

The outfield is one spot where the Phillies could clear both roster space and payroll. Dombrowski confirmed the club plans to move on from Nick Castellanos before spring training.

Trade or Release Still Possible

Castellanos is owed $20 million in 2026 and struggled on both sides of the ball last season. That makes it tough to find a trade partner willing to take on his contract, but Dombrowski didn’t rule anything out.

Possible landing spots? Maybe teams willing to gamble on a low-risk deal, like:

Whether it’s a trade or an outright release, the Phillies seem set on moving forward without Castellanos.

Rotation Questions Without Zack Wheeler

Health questions hang over spring training, especially at the top of the rotation.

Wheeler’s Recovery and Rotation Depth

Ace Zack Wheeler had thoracic outlet surgery in September and has started throwing from flat ground, up to 90 feet. The progress looks good, but there’s no set timetable for his return yet.

Without Wheeler, the projected rotation includes:

Dombrowski mentioned the Phillies might add one or two veteran starters or swingmen on minor-league deals. That would help with depth and give some insurance if injuries pile up again.

Looking Ahead

The Phillies roll into the new season with their usual core and a huge payroll. There’s not much room for mistakes this year.

Sure, missing out on Bichette hurt, but keeping Realmuto brings some much-needed stability behind the plate. How Philly handles its outfield and rotation issues next might be what actually decides if this expensive roster can chase another October run.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Phillies Notes: Bichette, Roster, Castellanos, Wheeler