MLB Rumors: New Top Suitor Revealed for Bo Bichette

January 16, 2026 ,
Toronto Blue Jays infielder Bo Bichette rounds the bases during 2025 game.

For weeks, Bo Bichette’s free agency felt like it could spin in ten directions, but the noise is starting to funnel toward one destination. 

Multiple reports now have the Philadelphia Phillies trending as the team to beat, with league insiders openly framing Philly as the likely top bidder and the Toronto Blue Jays increasingly positioned to move on.

Why Philly is suddenly at the front of the line

The biggest tell is that the Phillies and Bichette met virtually Monday, and the early read from reporters has been optimism on both sides. 

Jon Heyman has gone a step further, saying it “feels like Philly” and that there is momentum to get a deal worked out, even with the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers still lurking. 

Jeff Passan also added fuel on Sportsnet, noting the expectation that the Phillies will be the highest bidders because they have the room and the reason to push hard. 

What Bichette adds and why Toronto looks ready to pivot

Bichette is coming off a monster year at the plate, hitting .311 with 18 homers and 94 RBIs in 139 games, and he is a two time All Star with a career .294 average, 111 homers, and 437 RBIs. 

He also showed he can adapt if the fit is right, with reports noting he is open to moving off shortstop, which matters because Trea Turner is locked in there for Philadelphia. 

Put him in Citizens Bank Park and you can see why Philly is leaning in. MLB.com even pointed out his 2025 hit production and how the park could juice his power output compared to Toronto. 

On Toronto’s side, the reporting thread is pretty consistent that the Blue Jays are prioritizing other moves and that a Kyle Tucker pursuit is part of why the Bichette door is closing. But with Tucker now off the board, things could move fast.

Photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images 

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