Phillies reportedly favorites to outbid Yankees, Blue Jays, Dodgers, for $189M top priority bat

Hunter Cookston

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Phillies reportedly favorites to outbid Yankees, Blue Jays, Dodgers, for $189M top priority bat image

The Philadelphia Phillies were able to bring Kyle Schwarber back, keeping their lineup among the best in the National League. However, the team still believes it can do more, which is why it recently set up a meeting with Bo Bichette.

“The official spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of ongoing talks, but confirmed a report by The Athletic that the Phillies scheduled a virtual meeting with Bichette on Monday, Jan. 12 to discuss the possibility of joining the Phillies,” USA Today’s Bob Nightengale wrote.

The Phillies have made Bichette a top priority, as they see a real chance to pursue him in free agency. It is surprising that the Toronto Blue Jays have not yet reached a deal with him, but that is where things currently stand. Philadelphia is willing to offer more years than other suitors.

“When the Phillies want a star player in a competitive market, they typically wield years as their separator," The Athletic’s Matt Gelb writes. "It’s one reason why rival clubs are beginning to see them as Bo Bichette’s most serious suitor."

The meeting is believed to have gone well for Bichette, and the Phillies now appear to be the frontrunners over the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, and the Blue Jays.

“Bichette/Phillies meeting is said to have gone very well fwiw. Bichette admires “first class” organization. Other pluses: roster, park, Mattinglys link, spring proximity to home. Would Phils need to deal Bohm, do lesser C than JT? Other Bo suitors: Jays, Red Sox, NYY, LAD, more,” MLB insider Jon Heyman posted.

The Phillies may have several moving pieces to manage if they can get Bichette to agree to a deal, but right now they appear to be in a strong position compared to other big-market teams. This would be a massive move for Philadelphia and would place them firmly among the favorites in the National League.

Just a couple of weeks ago, this scenario would have seemed unlikely, but now the Phillies find themselves at the top of Bichette’s list and looking like the team to beat.

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Contributing writer

Contributing Writer