The Phillies looked like they were closing in on Bo Bichette. The buzz around the league suggested real traction-meetings happened, mutual admiration was clear, and the fit just made sense. A star shortstop with pop and pedigree, Bichette checking out the Phillies’ spring setup, their loaded lineup, and even the Mattingly connection all pointed toward a potential move to Philly.
But in a twist that shakes up the NL East, Bichette instead chose to sign with the New York Mets.
That’s a gut punch for a Phillies team that’s been knocking on the door of a World Series title and was looking to make one more major splash. Bichette would’ve been a cornerstone addition, a player who could lengthen the lineup and bring a dynamic presence to the infield. But with that door now closed, the Phillies front office may already be eyeing a new path-and it could lead them to Cody Bellinger.
Talks between Bellinger and the Yankees have reportedly stalled, which opens the door for Philadelphia to make a move. And while Bellinger might not have been Plan A, he could be a pretty compelling Plan B.
Let’s break it down: Bellinger brings versatility, left-handed power, and Gold Glove-caliber defense in the outfield. He also has the ability to play first base, which would give the Phillies some much-needed flexibility when Bryce Harper needs a day off from the position. In short, he’s the kind of player who doesn’t just fill a hole-he changes the dynamic of your roster.
Of course, there’s the matter of making room. And once again, Nick Castellanos’ name is at the center of those conversations.
Castellanos is entering the final year of his five-year, $100 million deal, but after a rough 2025 season-posting a .694 OPS and continuing to struggle defensively-his future in Philadelphia looks increasingly uncertain. If the Phillies want to bring in Bellinger, they’ll likely need to move Castellanos, even if it means eating a sizable chunk of the $20 million remaining on his contract.
That’s the cost of doing business when you’re chasing a championship. The Phillies are already carrying a hefty payroll, but they’ve been in win-now mode for a while, and that window doesn’t stay open forever. Bellinger wouldn’t just be a splashy signing-he’d be a strategic one, giving the team an upgrade in the outfield and a lineup that’s even tougher to pitch to.
The front office knows they missed out on Bichette, but that doesn’t mean the offseason is a loss. There’s still time to make a big move. And if Bellinger is truly in play, the Phillies might have a shot to turn disappointment into opportunity.