Will the Phillies Finally Land Bichette? A $79 Million Risk Could Force His Hand

Bo Bichette’s first season in Queens has been a quiet disaster. And that might be the best thing that ever happens to the Philadelphia Phillies.

The 27-year-old shortstop, who signed a three-year, $126 million deal with the Mets last winter, is widely expected to opt out of the final two years of that contract after the 2026 season, according to a report from USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. The move would leave roughly $79 million on the table after factoring in a $5 million buyout, but it would also set Bichette free — and teams like the Phillies are paying close attention.

A Season to Forget

Through his first year in New York, Bichette has looked nothing like the two-time All-Star who slashed .290/.332/.470 over parts of six seasons in Toronto. His numbers are brutal: a .236 batting average, a .644 OPS, and an 80 OPS+ — meaning he’s been 20 percent below league average offensively. His overall production has dipped into negative territory, with a -0.5 bWAR that places him below replacement level.

It’s not just a slow start. It’s a full-season struggle that has fans and front offices alike questioning whether Bichette can bounce back or if the Mets overpaid for a name.

The Money Mechanics

The contract was structured with annual opt-out clauses, giving Bichette leverage after each season. He collected a $40 million signing bonus and is earning just $2 million in salary this year. If he opts out after 2026, he walks away from $84 million in future guarantees — $79 million effectively, per Nightengale — and picks up a $5 million buyout. That turns the whole deal into a one-year, $47 million pact.

The expectation when the deal was signed was that Bichette would opt out after a strong season and cash in again. Instead, his performance has cratered, making the decision far more complicated. League executives, however, still anticipate he’ll push the button and test free agency.

Why the Phillies Make Sense

Philadelphia has long had interest in Bichette, dating back to his days in Toronto. The Phillies have a competitive window that’s wide open, but their infield has question marks. Trea Turner is locked in at shortstop, but second base and third base have been rotation spots. Bichette could slot in at second or shift to third, depending on how the roster shakes out.

The bigger issue is price. If Bichette opts out, he’ll be looking for a multiyear deal in a market that just saw him post a 2026 OPS below .650. That could depress his value significantly, potentially making him a bargain — or a trap.

For now, the speculation is just that. The Mets have not confirmed any plans, and Bichette’s camp has stayed quiet. But with the opt-out deadline looming, the stakes are high. A player who bet on himself and lost may find that the best second chance comes in a different city.