The Philadelphia Phillies had a much-publicized meeting with free agent shortstop Bo Bichette on Monday. The Phillies have been relatively quiet since the MLB Winter Meetings, but it could all change by bringing Bichette to Philadelphia on a sizable contract. Outside of putting pen to paper with a career-long shortstop, there would be rippling effects on the rest of the roster.
The Phillies would have to do some shuffling when it comes to payroll and the roster after a big addition like this. A player of Bichette's caliber is worth moving names around for, but many things still have to fall into place to make it happen.
The Phillies are in an interesting place with their roster and need to shake things up to stay in contention for the World Series. Bichette will only be 28 years old this coming season and would provide a young and exciting bat for a lineup that has been begging for some added pop. There are some changes that would be needed, but they're also long overdue.
A Phillies' Bo Bichette signing means these 2 players would be out of the picture
1. J.T. Realmuto
The Phillies would most likely see the end of J.T. Realmuto after their stalemate has reached into mid-January. The Realmuto dilemma has been simmering for months, and now it might be time to turn the burner off. There hasn't been any notable progress in discussions as the three-time All-Star sits on a reported offer from earlier in the offseason.
There was an expectation set since the offseason began that the Phillies would try to bring back Realmuto, but the two sides remain at an impasse (subscription required). Perhaps it was time, or an inflated asking price, but the Phillies now seem content to change course.
Bichette’s arrival on the infield wouldn't directly impact Realmuto's spot from a roster construction standpoint, but the money certainly would. According to Spotrac, the catcher's market value is roughly $13 million a year. The Phillies can't afford to pay both if they want to remain somewhere around the $300 million payroll mark.
2. Alec Bohm
As such, Alec Bohm would be the player directly impacted by Bichette's arrival. Bohm is set to make $10.2 million in 2026 after he and the Phillies agreed to a one-year deal, avoiding arbitration in his final year of eligibility. The Phillies have been trying to shop the All-Star for a few years now, so this gives them added motivation.
The Phillies are riding the fence of a possible 110 percent luxury tax with every dollar over $304 million. The Phillies are currently just under that, at roughly $301 million, but are still paying heavy taxes by exceeding the first three thresholds. Not bringing back Realmuto and shipping out Bohm would clear up a lot of space.
Second baseman Bryson Stott still has two more years of control and would also be an easy option to move, but he will earn less ($5.9 million) in 2026, and the roster would benefit more with his presence.
Stott carries a slightly lower career OPS than Bohm, but his defensive prowess makes up any difference in value. Stott's elite glove could easily transfer over to third base, where he played in his Major League debut. Before the World Series last season, Bichette never played second base in his career, but he did hold down the position well across 32 innings.