The Philadelphia Phillies were not frequently discussed suitors for free-agent infielder Bo Bichette for the first two months of the offseason, but that has changed in a big way.
In just over a week since the Phillies’ reportedly serious interest in Bichette was reported, perception has quickly changed. The two sides have already had a meeting, which took place on Monday, and some are beginning to view Philadelphia as the new leader in the clubhouse for Bichette’s services.
On Tuesday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reported that rival clubs are beginning to view the Phillies as “the most serious suitor” for Bichette, and the insider also pointed out a key advantage that Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has typically brandished in his free agency exploits.
“Within the industry, the general sentiment is that whenever Dave Dombrowski targets a star player, he’ll find a way to land him,” wrote Gelb. “That is an oversimplification; Dombrowski, the club’s president of baseball operations, is not undefeated.
“When the Phillies want a player in a competitive market, they typically wield years as their separator. This, executives from rival clubs have cited in recent days, is why the Phillies’ late entrance into the Bichette market cannot be dismissed.”
In what is increasingly becoming a robust market for Bichette with third baseman Alex Bregman off the board, Gelb juxtaposed Philadelphia’s willingness to potentially do a long-term deal against his other suitors’ advantages.
“The Boston Red Sox might be more desperate. The Los Angeles Dodgers might be mightier. The New York Yankees might have a better sales pitch,” wrote Gelb. “But the Phillies might be the only team willing to extend to six, seven or eight years to sign Bichette.”
In addition to the recent hire of former Blue Jays hitting coach Don Mattingly, who has a great relationship with Bichette, the Phillies seem to be the most aggressive player for the 27-year-old at the moment. The market has yet to fully play itself out, but Phillies fans couldn’t be faulted for feeling optimistic at the moment.
More MLB: Blue Jays Lose Outfield Prospect to Brewers in Free Agency: Report
