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By Patrick McAvoy
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Philadelphia Phillies have a big offseason ahead after another great regular season, but a disappointing playoff run.
Philadelphia surely has plenty of talent, but it got knocked out in the National League Division Series by the Los Angeles Dodgers and needs to find a way to get over the hump. The Dodgers are only going to keep adding. So, how can the Phillies compete?
The Athletic's Tim Britton, Aaron Gleeman, and Chad Jennings wrote a column in which they highlighted the top 50 players heading to free agency, with the teams that would fit them the best, as well as projected contracts. For Philadelphia, it interestingly was listed among the "best fits' for Toronto Blue Jays star infielder Bo Bichette.
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"A second-round pick in 2016, Bichette quickly established himself as one of the game’s best prospects, and then one of its top shortstops," Jennings said. "He’s a two-time All-Star who twice led the American League in hits and has the fifth-highest career batting average among active players. After a disappointing 2024, Bichette bounced back to deliver a fairly typical 2025: 134 wRC+ and 3.8 fWAR with negative defensive metrics. He missed the final month with a knee injury.
"Bichette ranks top 10 in batting average since 2021, and will play all of next season at 28 years old. Even in a thin shortstop market, teams might prefer him at second or third. Most of his value comes from his bat, anyway. ... Britton’s projection
8 years, $212 million ... Best fits (Detroit Tigers), (Philadelphia Phillies), (Toronto Blue Jays)."
Bichette was listed as the second-best free agent in this year's class by the trio. For the Phillies, the fit isn't perfect. Philadelphia has Bryson Stott at second base and Trea Turner at shortstop. Alec Bohm is at third base. So, if the Phillies were to target Bichette, there would be some sort of shuffling in the infield. Bichette is the type of player you make a creative move for, even if it isn't easy.
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