Phils talking with star free-agent infielder Bichette (sources)

PHILADELPHIA – Bo Bichette would jolt a Phillies lineup and a 96-win team that has fallen short of expectations the past few years.

But can they realistically sign the talented free-agent infielder? They’re going to find out.

Sources confirmed on Thursday the Phillies’ interest and pursuit of Bichette. The Athletic first reported that the Phils and Bichette, who will turn 28 in March, will meet in the coming days. MLB Network insider Jon Heyman said the meeting is Monday. One source told MLB.com that Bichette is a realistic possibility, but probably a long shot because it would require the Phillies to not only meet Bichette’s asking price – he has significant interest from other large-market teams – but also part ways with catcher J.T. Realmuto and, most likely, third baseman Alec Bohm.

The Phillies cannot sign both Bichette and Realmuto. They also cannot sign Bichette without trading an infielder to clear further payroll. Bohm is the most likely choice because he will make $10.2 million this year. Bryson Stott is set to make $5.9 million.

The Phillies’ 2026 payroll is projected to exceed the fourth luxury-tax threshold at $304 million. Every dollar spent beyond $304 million is taxed at 110 percent. The Phillies are willing to go past that threshold for a second consecutive year, but there are limits.

It makes their pursuit of Bichette more complicated, but worth it.

Interestingly, if the Phillies and Realmuto had agreed to a deal by now, the meeting with Bichette might not be taking place. Sources said last month that the Phillies would not pursue any of MLB’s remaining top-tier free agents – Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman, Cody Bellinger and Bichette – if they re-signed Realmuto.

(One source said the Phillies aren’t pursuing Bregman, who turns 32 in March, as they are Bichette.)

Negotiations between the Phillies and Realmuto have been at a standstill. Even before the Phillies re-signed Kyle Schwarber to a five-year, $150 million contract at last month’s Winter Meetings, they believed they had a legitimate offer on the table for Realmuto, but nothing has come to fruition yet.

While the Phillies have not given Realmuto a deadline to re-sign, they are making sure they’re not caught flat-footed, either.

If the Phillies find a way to bring Bichette to Philly, they would need to find help behind the plate. They most likely would target free-agent catcher Victor Caratini, although they could explore a trade.

Rafael Marchán and Garrett Stubbs are currently the only catchers on the 40-man roster. Both are out of options.

Bichette could play third or second for the Phillies, but he has little or no experience at either position. Bichette played second base in the 2025 postseason and 30 games there in his Minor League career. He has never played third base.

If he plays second, Stott would move to third. Stott has spent most his career at second base and shortstop, but he made the 2022 Opening Day roster as a third baseman.

Who plays where is just a minor detail at this point. If the Phillies can actually pull this off with Bichette, they’ll find a way to make it work.