The Philadelphia Phillies weren't one of the first teams rumored to be in on star free agent Bo Bichette, the standout shortstop from the Toronto Blue Jays.
But lately, they may be the team leading the race to land his signature.
There's a reason for this, revealed on Tuesday by The Athletic's Matt Gelb: The Phillies have a secret weapon.
What is it?
Years.
It's that simple. The Phillies are willing to offer longer contracts than their competitors.
"When the Phillies want a star player in a competitive market, they typically wield years as their separator," Gelb writes. "It’s one reason why rival clubs are beginning to see them as Bo Bichette’s most serious suitor."
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In recent offseasons, the Phillies have signed Bryce Harper to a 13-year deal, Trea Turner for 11 and Aaron Nola for seven.
"If Bichette takes a five-year deal, he would re-enter free agency going into his age-33 season, which has proven to be a less-lucrative time for many free agents. A seven-year term would carry him through 34," Gelb writes. "That’s one reason for him to consider a longer term. It’s also why the Phillies might not fear wielding the years; that is a much different proposition than signing Turner through his age-40 season. The twilight of these long-term deals might be bitter. It usually is. That has not stopped the Phillies in previous negotiations. And it is why, once they saw a potential opening with Bichette, the rest of the league raised its eyebrows."
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The Phillies would have to move Bichette to either second base or third base and consider their options from there, so his potential signing would have a domino effect.
But at the moment, Philadelphia's main concern should be getting Bichette in the door. He's one of the best pure hitters in baseball.
And with the Phillies willing to dangle extra years in front of him, they just might get the deal done.
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