Bo Bichette signed with the Mets over the Phillies, who called the loss a "gut punch."

The Phillies fell short in their pursuit of shortstop Bo Bichette, who signed a three-year, $126 million deal with the Mets instead of a seven-year, $200 million offer from Philadelphia. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski called the loss a "gut punch," stating negotiations were advanced but no formal agreement was reached. Bichette, a two-time All-Star, hit .311 with 18 home runs and 94 RBIs in 2025, including a key World Series homer. The Mets’ offer included opt-outs after the first and second seasons and no deferrals. The Phillies subsequently re-signed catcher J.T. Realmuto to a three-year, $45 million deal and retained Kyle Schwarber. Dombrowski said the team is now content with its roster.