With the Toronto Blue Jays making a massive move on Saturday, bringing in Japanese free agent slugger Kazuma Okamoto, many questions remain about the two-time All-Star and long-term Blue Jay, Bo Bichette's future with the team.
After spending seven seasons in Toronto, it appears that Bichette's time may be coming to an end soon, because Okamoto is essentially being brought in to provide the same production Bichette has, as the infielder provides a significant home-run threat from his seasons in the NPB.
For the free agent, a move to the Philadelphia Phillies has become more realistic.
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Phillies writer Alex Coll tweeted that the market for Bo Bichette would expand to include the Phillies, and now reports are linking Philadelphia to the shortstop. Pairing someone like Bichette with players like Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper could pay off for Philly.
Bichette is said to have a great relationship with the Phillies' bench coach, Don Mattingly, which might not have a significant influence on Bichette's decision to sign with the ball club. Still, it's interesting to note that a signing of Bichette's stature would be huge for the Phillies as they seek to get over the hump.
Bichette hit.311 last season, which was tied for second and is the only player to hit at least.300 against fastballs, breaking balls, and changeups, meaning that no matter the slugger, he is likely going to put the ball in play and give his team a chance to win.
Although it would take many things to fall into place, if the Phillies can pull this off after missing out on so many other major free agents, it instantly helps the chances they already had to make the World Series, as every team is chasing the reigning two-time World Series champion, the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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