Report: Phillies Emerge as Most Serious Suitor for Bo Bichette
The market for the former Blue Jays shortstop has taken a sharp turn. A new report indicates Philadelphia is willing to offer the one thing other teams won’t: a long-term home.
TSP Rumor Tracker: Jan 13 Update
A new report from The Athletic (Matt Gelb) has identified a clear favorite in the Bichette sweepstakes.
The Phillies Strategy:
- Offer Structure: Willing to go 6, 7, or 8 Years.
- Status: “Most Serious Suitor” according to rivals.
- Meeting: Video call held on Monday; both sides “optimistic.”
The Competition:
- Dodgers/Red Sox: Likely capped at 5 years or high-AAV short deals.
The Bo Bichette contract rumors have unexpectedly centered on the Philadelphia Phillies, a team that rival executives now view as the primary landing spot for the 27-year-old shortstop. While the Red Sox and Dodgers have been linked to Bichette all winter, Philadelphia’s willingness to offer a contract length that exceeds current market trends may be the deciding factor.
The Monday Meeting
Momentum began to shift earlier this week. According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Phillies and Bichette’s camp held a formal video call on Monday. While specific financial terms were not disclosed, sources briefed on the situation indicated that “both parties emerged with optimism.”
“As rival clubs are beginning to view the Philadelphia Phillies as Bo Bichette’s most serious suitor… the momentum toward a surprising match is difficult to ignore.” — Matt Gelb, The Athletic
This meeting was described as a “broader feeling-out session,” but with Bichette recently getting married and looking to settle his future, the timeline is expected to accelerate immediately.
The “Years” Advantage
Why are the Phillies suddenly the favorites in these Bo Bichette contract rumors? The answer lies in Dave Dombrowski’s playbook: Length.
Gelb reports that while teams like the Dodgers are pushing for short-term, high-AAV deals (similar to the current Mets/Kyle Tucker situation), Philadelphia is the “only team willing to extend to six, seven or eight years.”
TSP Analysis: The Dombrowski Effect
The Phillies have a history of using long contracts to lower the Annual Average Value (AAV) for luxury tax purposes. They utilized this strategy with:
- Bryce Harper: 13 Years
- Trea Turner: 11 Years
- Aaron Nola: 7 Years
By offering Bichette a 7-8 year deal, they guarantee him security through his mid-30s—something the analytics-driven Red Sox are reportedly hesitant to do.
Statistical Context: Age vs. Value
A key component of Bichette’s leverage is his age. He does not turn 28 until March, making him significantly younger than comparable free agents like Willy Adames. Gelb notes that Bichette’s camp can argue he is a more valuable hitter than Adames, who secured a 7-year, $182M deal last winter.
| Stat Category | Bo Bichette (2025 Stats) | Comparison Context |
|---|---|---|
| Batting Average | .311 | Elite Contact Tool |
| OPS+ | 129 | 29% Above League Avg |
| Slash Line | .311 / .357 / .453 | Consistent Production |
| Age | 27 (Turns 28 in March) | Prime Years Ahead |
Why Not Boston?
The report highlights that the Boston Red Sox, often seen as a logical fit, have been rigid on contract length. They recently lost out on Alex Bregman because they refused to go beyond five years. If they maintain that stance with Bichette, Philadelphia’s offer of 7+ years will likely be unbeatable.
For Blue Jays fans, the writing appears to be on the wall. As reported, “his former team, the Toronto Blue Jays, is expected to move on from Bichette.”
For more updates on where former Jays are landing, view our Latest Coverage. To read the full report on the Phillies’ pursuit, visit The Athletic.