Phillies 'must' sign Cody Bellinger amid J.T. Realmuto, Bo Bichette news

Conor Liguori

Phillies 'must' sign Cody Bellinger amid J.T. Realmuto, Bo Bichette news  image

Re-signing catcher J.T. Realmuto to a three-year, $45 million contract was an important step for the Philadelphia Phillies' offseason. 

They re-shifted their focus to Realmuto after learning that shortstop Bo Bichette was to sign with the New York Mets. Phillies fans undoubtedly want more offseason moves, and president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is on the clock. 

Pitchers and catchers report to spring training in less than one month, and there are still a handful of position players they can target to strengthen the lineup. Re-signing designated hitter Kyle Schwarber was crucial, and the Phillies can add another left-handed slugger. 

Why Phillies 'must' target Cody Bellinger 

Several reports indicate that free agent left fielder Cody Bellinger will most likely re-sign with the New York Yankees or join forces with Bichette and Juan Soto in Queens. 

But Josh Davis of Clutch Points does not see why the Phillies cannot be in the bidding for the former NL MVP, who hit 29 home runs with an.813 OPS in 152 games in 2025. 

"Bellinger addresses multiple issues at once. Defensively, he restores order. Sliding him into center field allows Brandon Marsh to return to his optimal corner outfield role, creating a more efficient alignment," wrote Davis.

"Offensively, Bellinger brings left-handed power that lengthens the lineup behind Bryce Harper and helps offset the production lost when Bichette signed with New York." 

The Phillies reportedly offered Bichette a seven-year, $200 million contract. Could they reallocate that money to Bellinger? 

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Staff Writer