PHILADELPHIA, March 4, 2024 — The Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly still stinging after shortstop Bo Bichette opted to sign with the New York Mets, turning down a substantial offer from the Phillies. The deal with the Mets includes two opt-out clauses.
A Bitter Pill for Philadelphia
The Phillies believed they were on the verge of securing Bichette’s services before the Mets swooped in.
What exactly went wrong in the Phillies’ pursuit of Bo Bichette? According to reports, the situation deteriorated rapidly, leaving the Phillies feeling blindsided.
“The word ‘livid’ was used in terms of the reaction to the news that Bichette did not end up coming to the Phillies and ended up going to the Mets,” said Todd Zolecki on The Phillies Show podcast Monday (6:30 mark). “Kind of a rug-pulled-out-from-under-them kind of situation. … A lot of people very upset, I think that feeling is the same in that front office and throughout that entire organization. They thought it was close, or they thought they had him.”
The Phillies initially presented Bichette with a seven-year, $200 million contract offer, a figure that was widely reported as a leading contender at the time. However, Bichette ultimately chose a three-year, $126 million deal with the Mets, a contract that also features two opt-out opportunities.
The Question of a Promise
The circumstances surrounding the failed agreement are now under scrutiny. Zolecki questioned whether Bichette’s agent communicated a firm commitment or simply indicated a willingness to reach a deal if the Phillies met certain financial terms. “The question is, did his agent say, ‘We have a deal,’ virtual handshake, or was it a, ‘Hey, if you meet this price, we’re gonna get there’ [type of situation],” Zolecki added.
Despite the disappointment, the Phillies swiftly moved to address their needs, re-signing catcher J.T. Realmuto to a three-year, $45 million contract. However, the sting of losing out on Bichette is likely to linger, and fans at Citizens Bank Park are almost certain to express their displeasure the first time he steps onto the field as a member of the Mets.
- Bo Bichette chose the New York Mets over a more lucrative offer from the Philadelphia Phillies.
- The Phillies reportedly felt “livid” and “blindsided” by Bichette’s decision.
- Philadelphia’s initial offer to Bichette was a seven-year contract worth $200 million.
- The Phillies quickly signed J.T. Realmuto after missing out on Bichette.
