Bo Bichette made his MLB free agency decision on Friday when he signed a 3-year, $126 million deal with the New York Mets. The chase for the shortstop’s services didn’t come without drama, however, as the Philadelphia Phillies reportedly felt like they were on the doorstep of a deal.
MLB Drama: Phillies Were On The Doorstep With Bo Bichette
According to a report from USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Phillies believed they had an agreement in place with Bichette on a seven-year, $200 million deal, before the New York Mets swooped in with a significantly shorter and annually-richer contract.
Nightengale reported that Philadelphia had agreed to Bichette’s contract terms as of Thursday night and expected to finalize the signing, only for the Mets to re-enter the picture after losing out on Kyle Tucker earlier in the week.
The Phillies had agreed to Bo Bichette’s request for a 7-year, $200 million deal last night and believed they would sign him until the Mets swooped in with their 3-year, $126 million offer after losing out in in the Kyle Tucker sweepstakes.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 16, 2026
For the Phillies, it is a big missed opportunity, as Bichette was likely viewed internally as a cornerstone addition. His bat could have helped lengthen the lineup and provide stability in the infield for years to come, and a seven-year commitment would have signaled a long-term investment in keeping pace with divisional rivals like Atlanta and New York. Instead, Philadelphia is left searching for alternatives after believing the deal was all but done.
Luckily, they were able to accomplish at least one of their offseason goals. Along with Tucker and Bichette, Kyle Schwarber was one of the biggest names on the free agent market headed into 2026, and the Phillies were able to re-sign his big bat with a five-year contract.
Mets Score In Free Agency, Adding To Star-Studded Lineup
The Mets’ move reflects a clear pivot in strategy. After missing on Tucker, the front office wasted little time targeting another elite bat, prioritizing short-term upside and financial flexibility over a long-term commitment.
Bichette’s deal carries a massive average annual value and allows New York to remain aggressive in future offseasons, while still adding one of the most consistent hitters of the past half-decade to an already star-studded roster.
Bichette’s value is rooted in his production. During the 2025 season, he appeared in 139 games and finished with a .311 batting average, 18 home runs, and 94 RBIs, while continuing to be one of the most reliable contact hitters in the league. He was a key piece in the World Series run for the Toronto Blue Jays.
