Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Phillies Set Meeting With Free Agent Bo Bichette as Pursuit Heats Up

Costly tax penalties make additional spending difficult.

Overview

  • SOURCES: Philadelphia has scheduled a video meeting with Bichette early next week, with multiple reports indicating Monday as the target.
  • Team officials characterize a signing as a long shot that would likely require moving on from J.T. Realmuto and most likely Alec Bohm, and the club cannot carry both Realmuto and Bichette.
  • The Phillies’ 2026 payroll is projected above MLB’s fourth luxury-tax threshold of $304 million, with every dollar beyond that taxed at 110 percent.
  • If Bichette signs, the club would need catching help, with free agent Victor Caratini cited as a likely target given Rafael Marchán and Garrett Stubbs are out of options.
  • Integrating Bichette would force infield changes because he has limited second-base experience and none at third, with Bryson Stott a candidate to shift to third base.