...
By Jackson Roberts
Contributing Sports Writer
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The Philadelphia Phillies have emerged as a power player in the Bo Bichette sweepstakes, if not the outright front-runner.
Bichette, the two-time All-Star shortstop of the Toronto Blue Jays, reportedly met with the Phillies on Monday. It was the first time the two sides had connected since free agency opened, and it signaled that the Phillies were suddenly very interested after something of a change of course with regards to a new deal for catcher J.T. Realmuto.
As Phillies fans well know, however, the club already has a set starter at all four infield positions. Trea Turner and Bryce Harper aren't going anywhere as the shortstop and first baseman, so that leaves the potential for third baseman Alec Bohm and second baseman Bryson Stott to be forced into a move.
Read More on MLB
...
We've heard a lot this winter that Bichette would be willing to move to second base, but because Bohm is entering his final year before free agency, it seems more likely that the Phillies would want to create a vacancy at third base.
According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the most likely scenario, in the event that Bichette joins the Phillies, would be Bohm getting traded and Stott sliding over to fill his spot.
"One more elite bat would go a long way to lengthening Philadelphia's lineup, ... and that's what makes Bichette so interesting," wrote Passan. "Signing him would have a domino effect, with Bichette occupying second base, Bryson Stott moving to third and Philadelphia presumably needing to find another home for Alec Bohm. Too many players is a good problem to have."
Bohm's tumultuous relationship with Phillies fans is back at a low point, as his most recent season fell short of the higher standards he set for himself in the first half of 2024. He's the perfect example of why not every All-Star is a superstar, and swapping out his bat for Bichette's would be a meaningful upgrade for the Phillies.
Stott, a superior defender at second base, would have some difficult adjustments to make if asked to change positions this close to the season. It might be well worth it, though, to squeeze in Bichette's bat.
More MLB: Braves Sign 26-Year-Old Righty with Giants, Twins Ties
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines