After Missing on Bo Bichette, the Phillies' Next Big Swing Could Be Cody Bellinger
Friday hit hard for the Phillies - and not in the way fans were hoping. What looked like a major offseason win turned into a gut punch when Bo Bichette, long rumored to be Philly-bound, instead inked a three-year, $126 million deal with the rival New York Mets.
The Phillies had reportedly met Bichette’s asking price, but in the end, it wasn’t enough. Just like that, a potential cornerstone addition to the infield slipped through their fingers.
This wasn’t just a miss. It was a miss with stakes.
The Phillies had been seen as front-runners in the Bichette sweepstakes, and the sudden shift left the fan base reeling. With the offseason clock ticking and the free-agent pool thinning, the front office is now staring down a critical pivot point.
But this story isn’t over - not yet. Because while Bichette’s departure stings, there’s still a potential game-changer on the board: Cody Bellinger.
Bellinger Could Be the Reset Button Philly Needs
The Phillies still believe they can contend - and that belief isn’t unfounded. But belief alone doesn’t win pennants.
After a relatively quiet offseason, there’s a growing sense that the roster needs a jolt. Bellinger, still unsigned, could be exactly that.
Here’s where it gets interesting: talks between Bellinger and the Yankees, long considered his most likely destination, have reportedly cooled. That opens a door for Philadelphia to step in - not just to improve their own roster, but to swipe a marquee name from a fellow contender.
And make no mistake, Bellinger would be more than just a consolation prize. The 2019 NL MVP re-established his value last season with a strong bounce-back campaign, showing he can still be a force at the plate and a plus defender in the outfield. He brings power, versatility, and postseason experience - all things the Phillies could use more of.
Making Room: The Castellanos Conundrum
Of course, adding Bellinger doesn’t happen in a vacuum. The Phillies would need to clear space, and that likely means parting ways with Nick Castellanos. The veteran outfielder is entering the final year of his five-year, $100 million deal, but his production dipped significantly in 2025, finishing with a .694 OPS and continued struggles defensively.
The writing’s on the wall. If the Phillies want to upgrade, Castellanos may be the odd man out.
That could mean eating a good chunk of his remaining $20 million salary to facilitate a trade - or even cutting ties altogether. It’s not ideal, but if the end result is Bellinger in red pinstripes, it’s a move that makes sense.
Financially, the Fit Is There
Let’s not forget: the Phillies were prepared to spend big. Reports indicated they were willing to commit upwards of $200 million over seven years for a top-tier free agent. So a pivot to Bellinger - who’s been linked to a five-year deal in the $150-$160 million range - fits within that framework.
The money is there. The need is there.
The opportunity is there. The only question is whether the Phillies are ready to pull the trigger.
Don’t Let One Miss Define the Offseason
Losing Bichette hurts, no doubt about it. He would’ve brought a dynamic presence to the infield and added another dangerous bat to the lineup.
But the Phillies can’t afford to dwell on what didn’t happen. There’s still time to make a meaningful move - and Bellinger could be that move.
His addition would give the outfield a serious upgrade and provide the kind of offensive punch that could help Philly keep pace in an increasingly competitive National League. More importantly, it would send a message: this team isn’t backing down after a setback. They’re still swinging for October.
The Phillies have the resources, the motivation, and now, perhaps, the perfect opportunity. It’s time to turn the page on Bichette - and start writing a new chapter with Bellinger.