Phillies free agent update after losing Bo Bichette to Mets is bleak

The Philadelphia Phillies re-signed Kyle Schwarber to a massive $150 million, five-year deal, and then invested in the Bo Bichette free agent market.

But, the former Toronto Blue Jays infielder decided to turn down the Phillies $200 million offer to join the Mets on a shorter-term, $126 million deal. After losing Bichette, what will the Phillies do now?

According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Phillies next moves after losing Bichette to the Mets are, to say the least, not ideal. Gelb reports the Phillies won't be adding another meaningful position player this winter.

Phillies' offseason outlook after Bichette deal is bleak

"It's a cold reality the Phillies face in mid-January," Gelb writes. "Outside of Bichette, who was one of the youngest and best free agents available this winter, the paths to a similar type of splash are all but nonexistent."

The Phillies don't have a good pivot after losing Bichette. While someone like Cody Bellinger might seem like a good option, he's a lefty hitter, and the Phillies are looking for a righty.

Bellinger would be a nice upgrade in the outfield, but they would need to move some pieces around, and are better off looking for different players than Bellinger this winter.

"The Phillies were willing to readjust everything for Bichtte," Gelb writes, "but absent him, they are now unlikely to add a meaningful position player."

More: MLB Hot Stove tracker: Live updates on news, rumors, signings and trades for 2025 free agency

Bichette was a special case for the Phillies, which makes his departure to the Mets, despite the Phillies meeting his demands, sting a lot more.

The Phillies now no longer have a pivot plan atop the market, and their $45 million spending on J.T. Realmuto was likely their last big move this offseason.

Now, the Phillies' next moves might be smaller additions and trades. While they won't be completely out of the market, they don't have a clear option to add this winter who would've brought the same impact as Bichette.

Phillies fans shouldn't expect the team to make a big move this offseason. Schwarber, Realmuto, Adolis Garcia, and Brad Keller are the biggest additions this winter, and likely will remain that way now that Bichette is off the board.

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