The Phillies swung big-and missed.
On Friday, Philadelphia’s hopes of landing Bo Bichette were dashed when the All-Star infielder agreed to a deal with the division-rival New York Mets. And that stings more than just losing out on a premier talent.
The Phillies reportedly had a $200 million offer on the table, making them serious contenders for Bichette’s services. Instead, they watched him head north on I-95 to a team they’ll face 13 times a year.
But the ripple effects of Bichette choosing Queens over Philly go deeper than just a missed opportunity. It directly impacts Alec Bohm’s future in red pinstripes-and for now, it looks like that future is still intact.
Bichette’s Decision Shifts Focus Back to Bohm
Shortly after news broke of Bichette’s deal with the Mets, the Phillies quickly pivoted and re-signed catcher J.T. Realmuto on a three-year, $45 million contract, with incentives that could push it to $60 million. It was a move that signaled stability more than splash-a far cry from the infield shakeup fans were bracing for.
The Phillies had been eyeing a major upgrade on the left side of the infield. If Bichette had signed in Philly, it likely would’ve triggered a domino effect, potentially including a trade of Alec Bohm, who’s been the subject of trade rumors for multiple offseasons now.
This winter felt like the tipping point. Bohm, entering his final year before free agency, was seen as expendable in a scenario where Bichette arrived and the infield got crowded.
Instead, Bichette is a Met, and Bohm is still a Phillie.
Bohm’s Role Remains Unchanged-for Now
According to league sources, while the Phillies could still explore moving Bohm, that’s now considered unlikely. The front office appears to be standing pat, at least for the time being. With no Bichette, there’s no pressing need to reshuffle the infield, and Bohm remains penciled in as the everyday third baseman heading into 2026.
This isn’t the first time Bohm has survived the rumor mill. Despite being dangled in trade talks in recent years, the Phillies have never pulled the trigger. And while he’s had his ups and downs, Bohm’s offensive production and steady improvement at third base have made him a valuable-if not irreplaceable-piece of the roster.
Still, the clock is ticking. Bohm hits free agency next offseason, and the Phillies will be forced to make a decision: commit to him long-term or let him walk.
The team’s pursuit of Bichette suggests they were at least exploring a future without him. But with that door now closed, Bohm gets another year to prove he belongs-and maybe earn himself a new deal in the process.
What This Means for the Phillies’ Offseason Outlook
The Realmuto signing was a solid, if expected, move. But for fans hoping for fireworks-especially after the Bichette rumors heated up-it’s a quieter winter than anticipated. The Phillies didn’t land the big fish, and they don’t appear to have a Plan B waiting in the wings.
That means Bohm stays, Realmuto returns, and the Phillies head into 2026 with a roster that looks a lot like last year’s. It’s a bet on continuity over change-and perhaps a statement that the front office believes this core still has what it takes to contend.
But make no mistake: losing out on Bichette is a blow. Not just because of what he could’ve brought to the lineup, but because now he’s doing it for a rival. And if Bichette thrives in New York while Bohm plays out his final year in Philly, the Phillies may find themselves asking what could’ve been.
For now, though, it’s business as usual. Bohm stays.
Realmuto’s back. And the Phillies regroup, knowing the path to the NL East crown just got a little tougher.