On the surface, it feels like the New York Yankees should have some level of interest in Bo Bichette. The Yankees need a better shortstop than Anthony Volpe, and he was on a division rival.
However, Bichette ending up with the Philadelphia Phillies feels like a very possible outcome, and it could be due to a former Yankees legend.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Bichette’s interest in Philadelphia has something to do with new Phillies bench coach Don Mattingly.
“The Phillies’ interest in potentially signing Bichette came about after the holidays when Bichette expressed a desire in playing for them, particularly after the hiring last week of Don Mattingly as their bench coach. Mattingly was the Toronto Blue Jays’ bench coach the past three years and became close to Bichette,” he wrote.
While Mattingly will always be remembered as a Yankees legend, his recent role in Toronto had an impact on Bichette and others.
Now that Mattingly has landed in Philadelphia, that trust has followed him.
For Bichette, the appeal is obvious, as he can play with a familiar face around and also have a chance to win a World Series.
In this case, a Yankees great could end up being the reason the Phillies land one of the game’s most talented shortstops. It’s rough for the Yankees when we consider how much they could use him.
More Yankees news:
- Red Sox All-Star linked to Yankees to replace Gerrit Cole in early season
- Blue Jays veteran All-Star among options Yankees are considering in MLB free agency
- Yankees not showing interest in New Jersey native who is reportedly a target of the Mets
- Phillies All-Star gets Yankees free agency update that makes plenty of sense
- Yankees not expected to be in the mix for best remaining pitcher available in MLB free agency
- Yankees will reportedly have to trade Jasson Dominguez or Spencer Jones for top trade target