The Philadelphia Phillies are in the midst of an important offseason period. They have failed to win a World Series with this core, and the window only appears to be closing. After re-signing MVP candidate Kyle Schwarber, their focus seemed to turn to getting JT Realmuto, one of the best catchers in the sport, back.
Realmuto and his agency have been everything but urgent, so what if the Phillies and President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski decide it’s time for plan B? There is one way to avoid having the offseason labeled as “running it back” once again. Signing this former all-star completely shifts the dynamic of the lineup.
Bo Bichette has spent his entire seven-year career with the Toronto Blue Jays. He has led the league in hits on multiple occasions and has been named to two All-Star Games. This move would indicate a major shift for Philadelphia, changing its infield, which has been set for multiple years.
Bichette would likely play second or third base for the Phillies, and Alec Bohm would be traded soon after. The infield defense would immediately improve, and they would add a right-handed contact bat that they need so desperately. Philadelphia’s offense has disappeared in numerous playoff appearances, something the Blue Jays’ shortstop does not do.
Bichette hit .348 in the 2025 World Series, adding a home run and six RBIs. He did most of his damage from the cleanup spot, something that is very interesting when it comes to the Phillies’ lineup configuration. No matter where he bats, adding a player with his skill would change Philadelphia’s ceiling for the first time in years.
Realmuto has spent the past seven years in Philadelphia, but that may be coming to an end. A player who was once described as the best catcher in baseball is a free agent, but is it really worth it for the Phillies to bring him back? A nearly 35-year-old catcher who has already shown signs of decline offensively may not be worth the ask.
Dombrowski has a very important decision to make with time ticking against him. If he lets Realmuto sit and wait, he may lose out on every other option. It may just be worth moving on and adding a catcher via free agency or trade. If this occurred, Philadelphia would have to have a big move up its sleeve. With all this extra money suddenly available, could Bichette be in play?
Victor Caratini is the best remaining free agent catcher after Realmuto, a severe drop off in talent, especially defensively. Some of the more intriguing options come from the trade market. There are numerous young catchers coming up from the minors who could be in play. A young backstop would be a big shift from the veteran leadership of Realmuto, but it may be necessary.
The Phillies have failed to establish a righty to protect Bryce Harper and Schwarber in the lineup. They have tried Nick Castellanos, Bohm, and even Realmuto, but they’ve all failed. A top four of Trea Turner, Bichette, Harper, and Schwarber would be amongst the best regardless of order. This extreme dynamic would make it challenging for even the top pitching staffs in a seven-game series.
Adolis Garcia will also slot into the lineup behind those four in this scenario. The former Texas Ranger will be the everyday right fielder for the new Phillies. Justin Crawford will play center field, likely batting ninth. The outfield would be rounded out by a platoon in left field with Brandon Marsh and a righty, potentially Otto Kemp or another free agent signing.
Bichette is the exact player that the Phillies need to target. If Dombrowski doesn’t want to be scrutinized by fans for running it back, a major change like this is needed. It would hurt to lose Realmuto, but you need to let go to receive. The 35-year-old catcher in exchange for a 27-year-old infielder is certainly worth the risk.
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