Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images

Phillies Make Announcement Amid Bo Bichette Rumors

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Jan 5, 2026 10:18 AM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies have been among the most aggressive teams of the offseason as they position themselves for another deep postseason run and a potential World Series push. Their biggest move came with the five-year, $150 million re-signing of Kyle Schwarber, ensuring one of baseball’s premier power bats remains in the middle of the lineup long term.

Philadelphia has also added complementary pieces, including former Texas Rangers outfielder Adolis Garcia, while maintaining a core built around Bryce Harper, Trea Turner and a pitching staff designed to win now. As the winter continues, the Phillies remain active and opportunistic as they explore ways to further separate themselves in a competitive National League.

Adding to the busy offseason, Philadelphia has also been linked to Bo Bichette, one of the most impactful free agents still available, per MLB Network’s Jon Heyman. The 27-year-old shortstop is coming off a strong 2025 season with the Toronto Blue Jays, during which he hit .311 with 18 home runs, 94 RBIs and an .840 OPS across 139 games.

Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette.Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Amid the Bichette speculation, the Phillies made notable news on the coaching front by hiring Don Mattingly as their new bench coach, following the expiration of his contract with the Blue Jays. Mattingly’s addition represents a significant upgrade to an already experienced staff, bringing decades of major-league playing, managerial and coaching experience into a clubhouse built to contend immediately.

The club made the move official via a post on X: “The Phillies have hired Don Mattingly as bench coach on the major league coaching staff. Welcome to Philly, Don!”

The Phillies have hired Don Mattingly as bench coach on the major league coaching staff.

Welcome to Philly, Don! pic.twitter.com/tKno3xO9F4
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) January 5, 2026

Mattingly is widely viewed as a big get for a stacked Phillies roster. He has a long-standing relationship with manager Rob Thomson, dating back to their time together in the New York Yankees organization, which should provide instant chemistry and continuity on the coaching staff. Beyond that, Mattingly also developed a strong working relationship with Bichette during his time in Toronto.

If Philadelphia were to land Bichette, he would add another elite offensive presence to a lineup already featuring Harper, Turner and Schwarber. He is notably the only player to hit .300 or better against fastballs, breaking balls and changeups/splitters, and his consistent production against every pitch type would give the Phillies one of the deepest and most dangerous batting orders in the MLB.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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