Missing out on Bichette hit the Phillies' GM like a heavy blow; quickly re-signing Realmuto to stabilize the roster

Bo Bichette, who had been near finalizing a deal with the Phillies, ended up signing a three-year, $126 million contract with the New York Mets. Dave Dombrowski, the Phillies' baseball operations president, said missing out on this standout infielder felt "like a heavy blow."

Before Bichette committed to the Mets, the Phillies believed they were "very close" to securing him. Both sides engaged in detailed negotiations over a long-term contract; although exact figures were not disclosed, Dombrowski emphasized that the team's offer met Bichette's camp's expected numbers.

"We felt we were just one step away from reaching an agreement, so failing to do so was truly disappointing," Dombrowski said. "It felt like a hard hit, but we have to pick ourselves up and keep moving forward."

After missing out on Bichette, the Phillies quickly re-signed catcher J.T. Realmuto to a three-year, $45 million deal. Along with previously securing key slugger Kyle Schwarber to a five-year, $150 million contract, the team's core remains intact. Dombrowski noted that while losing Bichette is unfortunate, it won't be devastating for the team: "At this point, I am satisfied with the overall state of the roster."