The idea of Bo Bichette landing with the Philadelphia Phillies isn’t just speculation anymore, as there’s real interest on both sides and it was reported last week that they’ll meet.
However, the interest can be viewed in a few different ways, as it sounds like a new Phillies coach could be making an impact.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Bichette has “expressed a desire” to play for the Phillies.
“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.
New Phillies bench coach Don Mattingly spent the past three seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays and clearly built a connection with Bichette, one that seems to be carrying weight now that Mattingly has joined Philadelphia’s staff.
The Phillies have been aggressive in chasing star talent, and Bichette would immediately raise their chances of winning it all. For all the success the Phillies have found, Philadelphia has consistently looked for ways to get better offensively, especially against elite pitching in October.
The Phillies are right in the middle of a win-now window, giving Bichette a chance to continue competing at the highest level.
With Mattingly, too, it could be the deciding factor.
More Phillies news:
- Phillies’ Jesus Luzardo seemingly gets ridiculous contract prediction, but it might make sense
- Mets rumored to be interested in Phillies free agent who could change the landscape of NL East
- Phillies have shown interest in right-handed hitter with more than 200 career home runs
- Phillies have made calls on other catchers due to uncertainty of JT Realmuto’s future
- Phillies’ Ranger Suarez gets free agency update from AL playoff contender
- Mets update on Phillies’ Ranger Suarez will have Philadelphia fans smiling and New York fans upset