The Philadelphia Phillies had many convinced they were going to end up with a marquee free agent this winter. It started off with re-signing slugger Kyle Schwarber. It ended with a dramatic two-week period with the Phillies all of a sudden being labeled the favorite to land star shortstop Bo Bichette.
Bichette had not been connected to the Phillies all offseason until it was too late. There didn't seem to be anything standing in the Phillies' way at the very end, but the New York Mets came in and ripped the heart out of Philadelphia by signing Bichette to a three-year, $126 million contract with opt-outs after the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
What hurt more than anything is how the fan base was led on. It was reported that the Mets were in contact with Bichette dating back to November, but there was no sign of that history until the deal was announced on Friday.
Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski to a degree, was as shocked as the fans were that the deal fell through. Fans understand the nature of the business but certainly won't love hearing him trying to spin it in a positive light.
Bo Bichette fallout continues to wear on Phillies fans, despite Dave Dombrowski's efforts
It's Dombrowski's job to make the best of this Phillies club. He knows how hard it is to land a star in free agency. However, with how this team is trending with age and need for change, the 27-year-old Bichette offered hope.
The Phillies seemingly pushed the deal to the one-yard line but still ended up with nothing in the end. Dombrowski spoke to the media on Tuesday and explained how close they really were, per MLB.com's Paul Casella.
"Well, I can't say that we ever thought it was done," Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski, per Casella. " ... But we thought we were very close to having a deal done. We thought it was going to happen.
"It's a gut punch. I mean, you feel it. That day, you are very -- upset, I guess is the way to say it. But you have to pick yourself up and shake it off, because you can't just wallow in what took place."
Dave Dombrowski on the Bo Bichette talks: "I did think we were going to get a deal done...We were close....It was a gut punch. ...But until you have a signed memo of understanding, you don't have a deal.''
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 20, 2026
Matt Gelb of The Athletic even reported that Dombrowski contacted J.T. Realmuto's agent (subscription required) to explain that the club was heading in a different direction. The Phillies felt as confident as they possibly could just hours before everything changed.
It also proves that the Phillies plan would indeed have been to sign Bichette and find a cheaper option at catcher. After Bichette fell off the board, Dombrowski and the Phillies reverted to their initial plan and agreed to a three-year contract with Realmuto.
Dave Dombrowski being content with his team will rub Phillies fans the wrong way
Dombrowski was also asked about the potential of signing another marquee free agent after losing out on Bichette. He wants to remain as is.
“We're content where we are,” Dombrowski stated.
Dave Dombrowski on the potential of signing another marquee free agent: "We're content where we are.''
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 20, 2026
Nothing will make Phillies fans' blood boil faster than hearing the front office being content with where they currently stand. They can't outspend the Mets or the Los Angeles Dodgers, but there's an obvious hole in the offense that they've failed to address for multiple offseasons.
The Phillies clearly know what the problem is and proved that with their $200 million offer to Bichette. What also won't settle Phillies fans' minds is Dombrowski saying that he still likes the current club.
“I still feel great about our club,” Dombrowski said.
Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski: "I still feel great about our club.''
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 20, 2026
Dombrowski might like the club, but not enough if he was willing to change everything to get a big bat in red pinstripes.
The Phillies have fallen shorter and shorter of their ultimate goal since appearing in the 2022 World Series. It's great to like the current club as it's constructed, but fans don't feel that way. It's realistic to believe that the Phillies could take a step back in 2026. On paper, they got worse and are going into another regular season missing a big bat.
It's been an ongoing issue with the Phillies and their bats falling short in the postseason. Bichette had some of those moments, most notably his three-run bomb off Shohei Ohtani in Game 7 of the World Series.
The Phillies still have some moves to make, albeit on a minor scale. They still have to offload Nick Castellanos and his $20 million, along with other changes. Phillies fans don't want to hear how great this team will be this coming season, unless that means there's a change in philosophy or a real commitment to the next big move.