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By Nelson Espinal
Contributing Sports Reporter
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The Philadelphia Phillies will be meeting with free agent star Bo Bichette as the infielder remains on the market amid a slow-moving offseason for the big names.
Cody Bellinger, Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman, and Bichette are all still available despite a good deal of interest from teams all over the league.
More news: Yankees Intensify Pursuit of Bo Bichette Amid Bellinger Stalemate
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However, as January progresses, some of these players should start to sign, and Bichette could be the first domino to fall in the league-wide stalemate.
According to a new report from The Athletic, Bichette is expected to meet with Phillies officials in a video conference call, and the interest from the National League East team is legitimate rather than strictly exploratory.
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The Phillies have not been among the teams heavily linked to Bichette, but as their interest grows, his market may start to move as Philadelphia aims to add an impact bat.
More news: Dodgers Face Hefty Punishment to Sign Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette
In a story written by Matt Gelb and Ken Rosenthal, the path to the Phillies' sudden move for Bichette has come to light.
"All of those clubs might be more motivated to strike a deal with Bichette than the Phillies, who would have to rearrange their roster to accommodate such an addition," the article read.
"In November and December, team officials believed they would not be involved in Bichette’s market. While they liked the player, they expected him to command a deal beyond their reach, especially since the Phillies had internal free agents to retain.
"But as Realmuto’s uncertain status lingered, the Phillies began debating different paths. Bichette’s market has not collapsed; the combination of money allocated for Realmuto being unspent and Bichette’s willingness to move off shortstop has opened the door."
Bichette could slide into third base if the Phillies do trade Alex Bohm, or potentially join the mix for second base, though Bryson Stott currently lines up at that spot.
The Phillies would have a dynamic lineup that includes Bichette, Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and Trea Turner, along with other key depth pieces that complement the stars.
More news: Blue Jays Rumors Heat Up as Kyle Tucker, George Springer Attend Golf Event
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