Bichette reportedly impressed by visit to 'first class' team that isn't the Toronto Blue Jays

It's feeling less and less likely that we see Bo Bichette in a Toronto Blue Jays uniform moving forward for the 2026 MLB season.

Bichette, who slashed an impressive .311 batting average with 18 home runs and 94 RBI, was believed to have had a strong interest in returning to the Blue Jays after a successful 2025 season that saw the team reach the World Series. 

Instead of locking down Bichette right away, however, the Blue Jays instead boosted their pitching staff with several signings, before also inking Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year, $60 million deal.

Though nobody has completely ruled the Jays out when it comes to signing Bichette, there are several other teams in the mix, including the likes of the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and LA Dodgers. That said, the favourite to land the 27-year-old may instead be the Philadelphia Phillies.

Bichette recently met with the Phillies, a team that topped the NL East Division last season with a 96-66 record. The meeting, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman, is said to have gone "very well."

Bichette/Phillies meeting is said to have gone very well fwiw. Bichette admires “first class” organization. Other pluses: roster, park, Mattinglys link, spring proximity to home. Would Phils need to deal Bohm, do lesser C than JT? Other Bo suitors: Jays, Red Sox, NYY, LAD, more https://t.co/B4mhk4KUZO

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 13, 2026

As Heyman noted, Bichette does have a very familiar face in the Phillies organization in Don Mattingly. The 64-year-old, who spent the past three seasons with the Blue Jays, recently signed with the Phillies as a bench coach.

While it remains to be seen exactly what happens regarding Bichette's future, it was recently reported that the two-time All-Star is seeking a deal worth approximately $300 million. That price in and of itself could be what results in him departing the Jays organization.

It's also worth noting that the Blue Jays are still considered the favourites to sign outfielder Kyle Tucker, who is expected to get a deal around the $400 million range.