The landscape of the Major League Baseball offseason shifted dramatically on Saturday, with a cascade of moves from the Toronto Blue Jays creating new opportunities and sparking fresh trade speculation. At the centre of this whirlwind are star shortstop Bo Bichette and the financial realities now facing several teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates and Philadelphia Phillies.
Toronto's Big Spending Alters the Game
The trigger for this new wave of rumors was the Toronto Blue Jays' continued aggressive pursuit of free agents. The club solidified its latest move by completing a four-year, $60 million deal with Japanese star Kazuma Okamoto. This signing came on the heels of other major commitments, bringing the Blue Jays' total spending this offseason to a staggering $337 million across four free agents. This group reportedly includes starters Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce, plus reliever Tyler Rogers.
With Toronto also reportedly in the hunt for slugger Kyle Tucker, league insiders from the United States quickly concluded that All-Star shortstop Bo Bichette is no longer part of the Blue Jays' long-term plans. This sudden availability of a young, talented hitter immediately changed the calculus for other teams looking to upgrade their lineups.
Phillies Emerge as Suitors, Creating a Domino Effect
MLB insider Jon Heyman was among the first to report the new direction of the market, linking Bo Bichette to the Philadelphia Phillies. However, a potential move to Philadelphia presents its own complications. The Phillies' infield already features established stars Trea Turner and Bryson Stott in key positions. Acquiring Bichette would necessitate a significant roster adjustment.
This is where the Pittsburgh Pirates enter the frame. Pirates insider Kody Duncan articulated a clear strategy in response to the news. "If the Phillies sign Bo Bichette, the Pirates need to get on the phone immediately and trade for Alec Bohm," Duncan stated. He further emphasised the financial logic, noting that if Pittsburgh couldn't afford Okamoto, they are certainly out of the running for a veteran like Eugenio Suárez, who is reportedly seeking a four-year deal worth $70–80 million.
Why Alec Bohm Makes Sense for Pittsburgh
The financial argument for Pittsburgh targeting Alec Bohm is compelling. The Phillies' third baseman is projected to earn $10.25 million in 2026 through arbitration, a figure considered manageable for the Pirates' budget. Trading for Bohm represents a more realistic and cost-controlled upgrade compared to chasing top-tier free agents.
For Philadelphia, moving Bohm could be part of a larger financial reshuffle. As noted by Philadelphia writer Shaun Nestor on X, the Phillies might also consider trading outfielder Nick Castellanos, who is on a five-year, $100 million contract. A combined trade involving Bohm and Castellanos could free up approximately $30.25 million in salary, giving the Phillies the necessary financial flexibility to make a serious offer for Bo Bichette.
The sequence of events highlights a clear market division: while big-market teams like the Blue Jays and potentially the Phillies chase the biggest names, smaller-market clubs like the Pirates are forced to identify savvy, affordable opportunities that arise from the ensuing fallout. The Blue Jays' spending spree has inadvertently made Alec Bohm one of the most talked-about and logical targets for a Pittsburgh team looking to improve without breaking the bank.
