Bo Bichette rebuffs Phillies for Mets, now what?
Nov 1, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette (11) rounds the bases after hitting a three run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning for game seven of the 2025 MLB World Series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
On Thursday night, the Phillies had a deal with their treasured free agent.
After their meeting on Monday, the Phils had agreed to Bo Bichette’s request for a seven-year, $200 million deal and believed they would sign him on Friday. It was there. The Phils had possession of one of the biggest free agent splashes in franchise history.
The tide changed once Kyle Tucker agreed to his four-year, $240 million contract with the Dodgers. The Mets had missed out on yet another star this offseason. So, they pivoted and, in return, punched the Phillies right in the mouth.
Bichette and New York agreed on a three-year, $126 million contract on Friday to be the team’s third baseman, which includes no deferrals and opt-outs after the first and second seasons. In back-to-back days, the MLB has seen two huge-dollar, short-term deals including opt-outs. Both Tucker and Bichette have opportunities to explore the market again at a chance of another payday.
The Phils seemed to be the clear favorite for the 27-year-old. They hired Don Mattingly as the bench coach, who is extremely close with Bichette. The fit was there, the money was there, and the other suitors seemed to use their money in different ways. What differed from Philadelphia was the flexibility. The Phillies do not offer opt-outs, general manager Preston Mattingly revealed in December.
Bichette is coming off another strong offensive season where he hit .311 with 18 home runs and 94 RBIs, finishing second in the majors with 44 doubles. A left knee injury had Bichette out for the final 20 games of the regular season up until the World Series, where he averaged .348 with a home run and six RBIs. Bichette has led the American League in hits twice and is one of the most consistent right-handed hitters in baseball over his seven-year career.
He now joins a Mets lineup consisting of Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor, Marcus Semien, and Jorge Polanco. It is not as powerful as it was in 2024 and 2025, but Bichette adds a significant boost to a team that has re-entered the contender conversation.
For the Phillies, there is no clear direction. Alex Bregman signed, Ketel Marte is not being traded, and Bichette just went to their biggest rival.
We know the Phils are pivoting back to J.T. Realmuto, who has agreed to a thre-year $45 million deal. He was seeking a three-to-four-year deal with an average annual value of $20 million. The Phillies’ offer was reported to be three years and “south of $45 million.” The two sides have reached an greement. The Phils could also explore bringing Harrison Bader back, but the team previously stated their outfield is pretty much set with Brandon Marsh in left, Justin Crawford in center, and Adolis Garcia manning right field.
It felt like a done deal with Philadelphia and Bichette. Now, the Phillies are caught with their pants down.
What is the next move?
Do they still explore a trade with Alec Bohm?
Is there anything even out there?
Nick Castellanos is still on this roster. He is going to provide a dead $20 million hit.
Who knows.
Benjamin Goldstein
Benjamin has been covering Philly Sports for Philly Sports Reports since 2017. He is a podcaster, writer, and founder of Philly Sports Reports. Benjamin is also an intern at the WBCB Sports Network on 1490AM. Through Philly Sports Reports, Benjamin has gotten the opportunity to meet Phillies owner John Middleton in his suite and be honored as the Philadelphia sports fan of the week for KYW News Radio. He hopes to be reporting on Philly sports as a full-time job in the future.
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