The New Philadelphia Phillies Offseason Template Is Perfect

Bo Bichette, at one point, was just a fever dream for the Phillies. They were on the outside looking in, waiting to see if the market would crash for the two-time All-Star. Now, things are moving quickly in the right direction. A meeting is scheduled for Monday between the Phillies and Bichette, and there appears to be legitimate mutual interest in a deal. So what changed?

Don Mattingly was officially announced as the Phillies’ bench coach earlier this week. Bichette has a great relationship with the now-former Toronto Blue Jays bench coach. This move actually is what made him reach out to Philadelphia, expressing his desire to play for the franchise.

Bichette in red pinstripes is a perfect fit. He would slot in at third base, creating one of the best infields in the sport. He would also join a top four of Schwarber, Trea Turner, and Bryce Harper in the Phillies lineup.

Step Two: Trade Alec Bohm

Alec Bohm has been subject to trade rumors for the last few years now, but the Phillies haven’t been able to find a suitable upgrade. Adding Bichette would certainly be the end of Bohm’s Philadelphia career, and a trade would shortly follow. Looking past the obvious reason of 3B being occupied by the new free agent signing, his $10.2 million salary would also be pivotal in signing Bichette.

Bohm likely wouldn’t fetch much in return, but the money and light prospect capital would be enough to move off of him. Some rumored suitors include the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Los Angeles Angels, and the Las Vegas Athletics.

Step Three: Figure Out Catcher

Realmuto has been the man behind the plate in Philadelphia for seven seasons. One of the best catchers in franchise history, and he may no longer have a spot due to contractual differences. The easiest way to look at this switch is to be aware that it will be a downgrade no matter what. There are no better options available outside of Realmuto, but there are some players who could be serviceable in his absence.

Victor Caratini is the best free-agent catcher outside of Realmuto. He is a nine-year veteran switch-hitter who has shown solid offensive production with lackluster defense. If they sign him, expect around a .250 batting average, .330 on base percentage, with about ten home runs sprinkled in. Rafael Marchan would also be heavily in the mix if Caratini is the option they pursue. Likely leading to a 50/50 split behind the plate.

Ryan Jeffers has been rumored to be available via trade from the Minnesota Twins. It could actually be argued that, at this stage in their careers, he is a better hitter than Realmuto. The concern is once again on the defensive side. Jeffers caught a career high of 88 games last season. Excluding the COVID season, Realmuto hasn’t caught fewer than 113 games since joining the Phillies.

End Of My Phillies Rant

This is the dream scenario coming to life for the Phillies. If they can get this done, there will be no talk of running it back, and the fanbase will be rejuvenated as they look forward to October. Losing Realmuto will obviously have a meaningful impact, but the upgrade from Bohm to Bichette is more than worth it. A true top four hitter who can change the dynamic of the entire lineup.