Sipu Jha
Bo Bichette signed with the New York Mets on January 20, 2026, choosing the Mets over the Philadelphia Phillies. The deal, finalized on January 20 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a three-year, $126 million contract, leaving the Phillies without their top free-agent target this winter.Phillies president David “Dave” Dombrowski said losing Bichette felt like a “gut punch” and that the team was “very upset” when negotiations fell apart. Philadelphia thought it was close to a deal.
Bo Bichette joins New York Mets as Philadelphia Phillies face backlash over missed deal
Bo Bichette, a two-time MLB All-Star, became one of the biggest stories of the 2025-26 free agent season when he agreed to join the New York Mets. The deal gives Bichette a lot of money but only three years, with special opt-out options that let him become a free agent again if he chooses. In January 2026, the Phillies thought they were close to signing him to a longer, seven-year contract worth around $200 million. Some reports even said Philly had matched Bichette’s expected numbers before the Mets swooped in. When the Mets deal became official, Phillies fans and analysts reacted fast. Some called the Phillies’ offseason “greedy” because they tried for big names but came up empty. Others pointed out that Bichette now strengthens a division rival in the National League East. Dombrowski did not hide his feelings. He said the club had talks with Bichette and thought a deal would happen, but it did not, and that was tough for the entire organization. After missing Bichette, the Phillies acted quickly. They re-signed catcher J.T. Realmuto to a three-year, $45 million deal to keep one of their best players in Philadelphia. While many fans wanted Bichette, the Phillies still kept core stars like Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Kyle Schwarber from their strong 2025 team. Despite hopes that the team could add more big players before spring training, there were no massive signings as of late January. Some critics blamed Dombrowski for the way the Phillies handled the offseason. They said missing out on Bichette made the team look weak. Others pointed out that re-signing key players still gives Philadelphia a shot at another strong season.
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