Is Bo Bichette to the Phillies a Done Deal?

Momentum is building around the idea that Bo Bichette’s future may be in Philadelphia and it’s no longer just speculation. The Phillies are scheduled to meet with the two-time All-Star on Monday, but around the league, there’s a growing sense that this process may already be nearing its conclusion.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, part of the reason the Phillies have suddenly surged to the forefront of the Bichette sweepstakes stems from the player himself. Bichette has reportedly expressed interest in playing in Philadelphia, with the recent hiring of Don Mattingly playing a meaningful role.

“The Phillies’ interest in potentially signing Bichette came about after the holidays when Bichette expressed a desire in playing for them, particularly after the hiring last week of Don Mattingly as their bench coach,” Nightengale reported. “Mattingly was the Toronto Blue Jays’ bench coach the past three years and became close to Bichette.”

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That desire is now shaping how other teams are operating. According to New York Yankees insider Bob Klapisch, there is a growing belief within the Yankees front office that Bichette landing in Philadelphia is already a “done deal.” As a result, the Yankees are reportedly pivoting their attention toward Cody Bellinger, operating under the assumption that Bichette is no longer realistically available.

While nothing has been finalized, that type of reaction from a big-time front office speaks volumes. Teams rarely shift strategy unless they believe a market has closed.

For now, the facts are clear: Bichette (apparently) wants to play in Philadelphia, the Phillies are meeting with him, and other major market teams are behaving as though the outcome may already be decided. Whether Monday makes it official or not, all signs point toward the Phillies being at the center of this drama… and possibly its finish line.