Phillies pushing for Bo Bichette may spark unexpected Reds opportunity

There's been little to no action at the top-end of the free agent market for the past few weeks. Dylan Cease agreed to a seven-year deal with the Toronto Blue Jays and Kyle Schwarber returned to the Philadelphia Phillies, but players like Bo Bichette, Kyle Tucker, and Framber Valdez remain unsigned.

Bichette, however, may have found a new suitor. According to Matt Gelb and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (subscription required), the free-agent infielder has scheduled a meeting with the Phillies. Details revealed that Bichette will participate in a video conference with Philadelphia officials in the coming days.

The insiders at The Athletic surmise that an agreement with Bichette would likely force the Phillies to move on from roster mainstays J.T. Realmuto and Alec Bohm, both of whom should be of interest to the Cincinnati Reds.

Reds could be huge benefactors if Phillies sign Bo Bichette

Bohm, who just agreed to a reported one-year, $10.2 million deal to avoid arbitration, would be quite the upgrade for the Reds' roster. Bohm has hit double-digit home runs the past four seasons with a combined 106 OPS+. The former first-round pick can play both first and third base, and his right-handed bat would help bring balance to the lineup. Obviously, the Reds and Phillies would have to work out a trade in order for Bohm to come to Cincinnati.

Realmuto, however, is the far more intriguing option and one the Reds should definitely consider. Signing Realmuto would require two things. First, Cincinnati would have to spend some money. Most estimates assume the two-time Gold Glove Award-winner could find a deal worth $12-$15 million per year. That's a little more than the Reds' ownership would like to pay, but that's the market for a three-time All-Star.

Secondly, the Reds would have to trade longtime starting catcher Tyler Stephenson (and perhaps backup catcher Jose Trevino too). Stephenson is scheduled to reach free agency after the upcoming season, and there are plenty of teams who'd love to have his bat in their lineup. Trevino is a fine backup, but with Ben Rortvedt, the Reds have ample depth on the roster.

Realmuto is coming off a down-year year, but prior to 2025, he posted nine straight seasons with an OPS over .750 while averaging 122 games played. He would bring a wealth of veteran experience and leadership to a clubhouse that's starved for it, and undoubtedly help in the continued development of a young pitching staff that's arguably one of the best in the league.

This is the type of bold move Reds fans have been clamoring for all offseason, and it's one that Nick Krall and Cincinnati's front office should pursue if Bichette lands in Philly.