The Phillies were close to landing Bo Bichette last week, but it didn’t pan out. Dave Dombrowski, the team’s president, spoke about how they thought a deal was nearly done, despite not having any signed agreement. Just before it fell through, he informed J.T. Realmuto’s agent that their focus had shifted.
Bichette had a tempting seven-year offer from the Phillies, worth about $190 million to $200 million. However, he opted for a three-year contract with the New York Mets, totaling $126 million. Meanwhile, this choice lets him hit the free-agent market again soon.
“It’s a gut punch,” Dombrowski admitted. He acknowledged the disappointment but stressed the importance of moving on. So, they quickly locked in Realmuto for $45 million over three years. The Phillies aren’t expected to pursue other free agents now, as Bichette was seen as the most attractive option.
Dombrowski later reflected that the Phillies had only just begun their pursuit of Bichette a few weeks prior. He sensed that there was genuine interest from Bichette’s side. However, the Mets made a stronger offer that swayed him.
Interestingly, financial factors played a significant role in this decision. The Phillies wanted to manage their luxury-tax bill by spreading payments over a longer term. In contrast, the Mets and Dodgers have the financial strength to offer attractive short-term contracts.
A recent survey from Sports Illustrated shows that nearly 64% of baseball fans believe small market teams are at a disadvantage in attracting top talent. This situation underlines the ongoing challenges faced by teams with stricter budget constraints.
Ultimately, this event highlights how money and timing can dramatically shift the outcome of player contracts in baseball.
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New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, MLB
