The Bo Bichette sweepstakes are heating up-and the Philadelphia Phillies might just be in pole position.
After the Boston Red Sox made headlines by dropping $130 million on lefty Ranger Suárez, their aggressive pursuit of Bichette seems to have cooled. That’s opened the door for the Phillies, who are now emerging as the most likely landing spot for the All-Star shortstop. According to multiple insiders, including Ken Rosenthal, the Phillies are more than just interested-they might be the clear favorites.
Rosenthal, who’s been closely tracking Bichette’s market, isn’t hedging his bets. He’s doubled down on the idea that Bichette and Philly are a perfect match, noting a key connection that could help seal the deal: Bichette’s close relationship with Phillies bench coach Don Mattingly. The two developed a strong bond during their time together in Toronto, and with Mattingly now in Philadelphia following the World Series, that familiarity could be a major factor in Bichette’s decision.
“I still believe, rather strongly, that Bo Bichette is going to end up with the Philadelphia Phillies,” Rosenthal said Thursday.
That’s not just smoke. There’s a growing sense around the league that Bichette’s days in Toronto could be numbered-not just because of the business side of baseball, but due to something more physical.
According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, Bichette has privately expressed concerns about the toll that Rogers Centre’s artificial turf has taken on his body. For a shortstop who relies on quick cuts, lateral movement, and agility, that kind of surface can be unforgiving over a 162-game grind.
That detail could be a game-changer. If durability and long-term health are top priorities for Bichette-and they should be-then moving to a natural grass field like Citizens Bank Park becomes more than just a comfort upgrade. It’s a smart career move.
Meanwhile, the Blue Jays haven’t been ruled out entirely, but the momentum seems to be shifting. And with Boston possibly stepping back after their splash on Suárez, the path to Philly looks clearer than ever.
Bichette, along with Cody Bellinger, represents one of the last big bats left on the free-agent board now that Kyle Tucker has signed. That puts even more spotlight on his next move-not just for what it means to the Phillies, but for the ripple effects it could have across the rest of the league.
Whoever lands Bichette isn’t just getting a shortstop. They’re getting a franchise cornerstone with a bat that plays in any park and a glove that’s more than capable up the middle.
For Philadelphia, it’s not hard to see the fit. A lineup featuring Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Bo Bichette?
That’s the kind of trio that keeps NL East pitchers up at night. And if Mattingly’s presence helps close the deal, it’ll be another savvy behind-the-scenes move by a front office that’s been quietly building a contender.
Stay tuned. Bichette’s decision could be the domino that shapes the rest of the offseason.