The Philadelphia Phillies have been scouring the market for additions to the roster this winter, with J.T. Realmuto and the Phils in a standoff.
That led the Phillies to show serious interest in Bo Bichette, and many reports indicated the Phillies were serious suitors for the All-Star infielder. But, just as their interest was reaching its peak, the Phillies were dealt a crushing blow.
According to Will Sammon of The Athletic, Bichette made a decision, and while he's signing with an NL East team, it's not with the Phillies. Instead, the New York Mets have swooped in from out of nowhere to sign Bichette to a three-year, $126 million deal.
Phillies dealt crushing Bo Bichette Mets news
Bichette is in agreement with the Mets on a three-year, $126 million contract with opt-outs after the first and second seasons. It's a $42 million AAV deal for Bichette, where he'll be able to opt out after 2026 and 2027.
This signing from the Mets came not long after they lost Kyle Tucker to the Los Angeles Dodgers. So, in a way, the Phillies losing out on Bichette in free agency has the Dodgers to thank.
After all of the recent rumors, the Zoom meeting, and speculation in the past week or so, the Phillies seeing Bichette join the Mets, a division rival, is about the worst possible outcome the Phillies could've asked for.
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Now, the Phillies don't have a clear pivot option. Most likely, they'll be forced to run it back with Alex Bohm at third base, Realmuto behind the plate, and an overall lackluster feeling after missing out on a top free agent.
They could turn to someone like Cody Bellinger, but they've not shown much interest in him this winter, and likely will not spend much more money this offseason now that they've missed out on Bichette.
It's a terrible situation for the Phillies, as they've not only lost out on a player who would've been a great fit, but they lose him to the division rival Mets.
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