The Phillies' Quiet Pursuit of a Major Free Agent Hints at the Future.
In a move that may have come out of left field, the Phillies are reportedly interested in signing free agent shortstop Bo Bichette, according to MLB Insider Jon Heyman. While it's unclear how the team would make room for Bichette without going over the luxury tax threshold, the two-time All-Star is seen as a potential upgrade to the batting order.
At 27 years old, Bichette boasts a career slash line of .294/.357/.483, which includes hitting .300 or better against fastballs, breaking balls, and changeups/splits. In his most productive seasons, he has consistently hit at least 20 home runs and led the American League in hits twice.
Despite reports indicating that the Phillies are still intent on re-signing catcher J.T. Realmuto, Bichette's presence could bring a welcome change to the team's shortstop position. The fact that Bichette is willing to play second base long-term may also mean that the Phillies would need to trade Bryson Stott and utilize Edmundo Sosa in a utility role.
If the Phillies were to sign Bichette, it could solve their issue of lacking a true cleanup hitter. With Turner leading off, followed by Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, the team's lineup would be bolstered by the addition of another right-handed batter. Additionally, Bichette's reunion with manager Don Mattingly in Philly adds an interesting layer to the potential move.
However, it remains unclear how Bichette would fit into the Phillies' roster without exacerbating the luxury tax situation. The team has remained adamant about keeping Trea Turner at shortstop, but the prospect of Bichette adding depth and talent to the lineup is undeniable.
In a move that may have come out of left field, the Phillies are reportedly interested in signing free agent shortstop Bo Bichette, according to MLB Insider Jon Heyman. While it's unclear how the team would make room for Bichette without going over the luxury tax threshold, the two-time All-Star is seen as a potential upgrade to the batting order.
At 27 years old, Bichette boasts a career slash line of .294/.357/.483, which includes hitting .300 or better against fastballs, breaking balls, and changeups/splits. In his most productive seasons, he has consistently hit at least 20 home runs and led the American League in hits twice.
Despite reports indicating that the Phillies are still intent on re-signing catcher J.T. Realmuto, Bichette's presence could bring a welcome change to the team's shortstop position. The fact that Bichette is willing to play second base long-term may also mean that the Phillies would need to trade Bryson Stott and utilize Edmundo Sosa in a utility role.
If the Phillies were to sign Bichette, it could solve their issue of lacking a true cleanup hitter. With Turner leading off, followed by Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, the team's lineup would be bolstered by the addition of another right-handed batter. Additionally, Bichette's reunion with manager Don Mattingly in Philly adds an interesting layer to the potential move.
However, it remains unclear how Bichette would fit into the Phillies' roster without exacerbating the luxury tax situation. The team has remained adamant about keeping Trea Turner at shortstop, but the prospect of Bichette adding depth and talent to the lineup is undeniable.
So they're thinkin' about gettin' Bo Bichette? Like a quiet stealth move or somethin'. I mean, the guy's got skills - career .294/.357/.483 is no joke. And he's a two-time All-Star, so you know he's been doin' it for a minute. But what's with the luxury tax thingy? Can't they just throw some cash at it and make it work? 
The Phillies are already lookin' good on paper, but addin' Bichette would take 'em to the next level. And I love that he might be willin' to play 2nd base - that opens up some interesting possibilities for Bryson Stott's future role... 
they need someone who can bring some power and speed to that batting order and he seems like the perfect guy for it. and idk if anyone noticed but he's actually pretty clutch too 
plus getting him at all is kinda surprising so fingers crossed it happens 
. Adding Bichette would definitely give them some firepower at the plate, especially with Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber already on board 
. But it's gotta be about value for money - can they really afford to sign him without going over the luxury tax? It's a risk worth taking or not, depends how you look at it 
. But at the same time, signing him would kinda mess up the whole luxury tax situation, you know? 
Plus, I don't know about this second base thing... Bryson Stott is not that bad at shortstop 
. Anyway, I guess only time will tell if Bichette would be the right move for Philly 
. I mean, we've seen teams do weird stuff in the past when they're trying to make room for a big-name free agent... it's always gotta be about the almighty dollar 
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so either stott or sosa takes a hit on their value and they get to upgrade the lineup big time. I mean, Bryce Harper already hitting 40+ homers a season is kinda old news now 
we need some actual thump in that middle spot!
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️. Now it feels like we're just trying to make up for lost time. Fingers crossed Bichette becomes a Phillie and brings some of that magic back! 
Also, don't get me wrong, Bichette is a great player and all, but can we please not forget about Bryson Stott? He's only 24 and showed some really promising stuff last year...I feel like the Phillies are just going through the motions 
. And what's with all these moves that come out of left field? It feels like they're just trying to stay competitive without actually making any real changes 
anywayz, signing him might solve their cleanup hitter problem but then again, it could get them into trouble with the luxury tax... kinda like how my wallet gets into trouble when i buy too much pizza 
what do u think tho? should they take a chance on bichette or stick with JT? 
. The fact that Bichette is open to playing second base long-term could also free up Bryson Stott to focus on shortstop full-time 