Bo Bichette, Phillies News Emerges After Blue Jays’ Decision

Okamoto, a six-time NPB All-Star, hit .327/.416/.598 with 15 home runs and 49 RBIs in 69 games in 2025 despite an elbow injury, and is expected to primarily play third base with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first.

While Toronto continues to add pieces around its core, one of the top free agents still unsigned is Bo Bichette, the Blue Jays’ longtime star and one of the most productive hitters in baseball last season.

Phillies Among Teams Monitoring Bo Bichette

The Blue Jays have repeatedly expressed their desire to re-sign Bichette, extending him a qualifying offer before free agency and maintaining dialogue with his camp. Despite Toronto’s strong push, the Blue Jays are facing significant competition for Bichette from other clubs around the league.

According to New York Post’s Jon Heyman, the Philadelphia Phillies are among a group of big-market teams showing interest in Bichette, along with the New York Yankees, Dodgers, Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox – all keeping tabs on the 27-year-old’s market.

“The Phillies are among a number of big-market teams to have interest in Bo Bichette, an ultra young (27) free agent. Yanks, Cubs, Dodgers, Red Sox and incumbent Jays, too,” Heyman wrote Saturday.

That report emerged just hours after Toronto’s Okamoto signing. The Japanese’s addition, while strengthening Toronto’s infield depth, raises questions about Bichette’s fit and contract priority.

Compounding matters is the fact that Bichette’s free-agent value has climbed sharply. Coming off a .311/.357/.483 season with 18 home runs and 94 RBIs in 2025, Bichette rebuilt his market after a down year in 2024 and showcased his ability to hit consistently at the plate, including against fastballs, breaking pitches and off-speed stuff, making him one of the most coveted bats still available.

Bichette could be a transformative addition for the Phillies if they manage to sign him. Philadelphia has shown a willingness to pursue premium bats this offseason, and adding a young, high-contact, high-on-base talent like Bichette would complement their existing lineup while providing versatility across the infield. If the Jays aren’t prepared to match the long-term, high-AAV offers expected in Bichette’s market, a club like Philly, or another deep-pocket suitor, may be positioned to outbid them.