The Philadelphia Phillies are coming off another early postseason exit. Their World Series window may still be open, but after four straight trips to the postseason, their chances appear diminished. Free agency is the time to shake things up within the roster, maybe even in ways that weren't initially anticipated.
The Phillies have some money coming off the books for the 2026 payroll and now have a real opportunity to bring in outside talent to solidify the roster for another postseason run. Bo Bichette is a free agent for the first time in his career, and the Phillies should take a look at him as an upgrade at second base.
Bo Bichette would be an immediate upgrade at second base for Phillies
Bichette is heading into his age-28 season with a chance at his first big payday after spending his first seven seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays. Tim Britton of The Athletic predicts a free agent contract that could reach up to eight years and $212 million (subscription required).
Bichette has played shortstop his whole career, but his defensive metrics prove he might be better suited at second base. Among 37 qualified MLB shortstops last season, Bichette ranked 36th with -13 outs above average.
What will also help drive the conversation about a potential position change is that after coming back from injury during the World Series, Bichette played second base. He had never played it before at the MLB level, but looked good in the field.
Bichette is a two-time All-Star and one of the best bat-to-ball hitters in the sport. Since debuting in 2019, he has a career .294 average and an .806 OPS. He had a terrible 2024, unlike the rest of his career, but came right back this season, batting .311/.357/.483 with 18 home runs and 94 RBIs.
He played 139 games before being sidelined in September with a sprained left knee. Playing through the pain, he returned for the World Series and hit .348 with a home run and six RBIs in 27 plate appearances. He also hit one of the most exciting home runs in postseason history with his three-run shot in Game 7 off Shohei Ohtani.
BO BICHETTE BELTS ONE TO DEEP CENTER 🤯@BLUEJAYS LEAD 3-0 IN GAME 7 pic.twitter.com/64ai0Udfyl
— MLB (@MLB) November 2, 2025
Bichette is the exact type of bat the Phillies have been looking for to balance a swing-and-miss, chase-heavy lineup. Plus, he hits from the right side.
The Phillies' current second baseman, Bryson Stott, has played tremendous defense at his position. He's been named a Gold Glove finalist before, although he's never won one.
The problem lies with his lack of development from the hitting side. Stott seemed like he was on an upward trajectory in 2023 when he batted .280/.329/.419. However, he regressed in 2024 and finished 2025 batting .257/.328/.391.
Stott has been a good story for the Phillies, but not everything or everyone can stick around forever if another opportunity presents itself. He's under team control through 2027, so a trade would be most likely if they decide to move on from him.
Bichette's offense is noteworthy, and it will be hard to pry him away from his desire to re-sign in Toronto. But the blueprint is there for the Phillies to convince him to join a legitimate contender and make second base at Citizens Bank Park his new home. If so, they could have an easier time moving on from Stott this winter.