Phillies Announce Trade After Bo Bichette News

The fit makes even more sense given Bichette’s willingness to move off shortstop. With Trea Turner locked in at that position, Bichette has expressed openness to shifting to second base, a move that would strengthen the Phillies’ infield while maximizing his offensive impact.

Momentum appears to be building, as the Phillies reportedly held a meeting with Bichette on Monday. According to John Clark of NBC Sports Philadelphia, the session went very well, fueling speculation that Philadelphia’s interest is “genuine” and that they could be in prime position to land one of the top free agents on the market.

While Bichette remains a focus, the Phillies made another move on Tuesday, announcing a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

“Welcome to Philly, Chase! The Phillies have acquired RHP Chase Shugart from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for minor league INF Francisco Loreto. With today’s transaction, the Phillies’ 40-man roster is currently at 40 players,” the team wrote on X.

Shugart will add more pitching depth to the organization. The 29-year-old right-hander has logged 53 2/3 big-league innings between the Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates over the past two seasons, posting a 3.52 ERA and 39 strikeouts. His minor league track record shows more upside, including a 1.74 ERA in Triple-A last season.

Phillies Face Roster Crunch in Pursuit of Bichette

The immediate impact of the trade is that the Phillies’ 40-man roster is now full. That creates a complication if the front office pushes forward in its pursuit of Bichette. To add him, someone would need to be designated for assignment or moved in a separate trade.

Outfielder Nick Castellanos and third baseman Alec Bohm are the most logical names to surface in speculation.

Castellanos, despite being the likelier candidate, carries a contract that makes a move difficult. Bohm, entering the final year of team control, could be more movable, though the club would weigh his homegrown ties against Bichette’s potential upgrade.

A potential pursuit of Bichette would therefore require tough roster decisions, underscoring just how committed the Phillies may be to making another major splash this winter.