The Phillies' pursuit of Bo Bichette just got a whole lot more complicated. But here's where it gets controversial... Just as the Chicago Cubs were making a move that could significantly impact the Phillies' chances of landing a superstar, the Cubs pulled the trigger on a deal that might just tip the scales against the Phillies. As the Bears were gearing up for their Wild Card comeback, reports emerged that Alex Bregman had agreed to a five-year, $175 million contract with the Cubs. This development has multiple ramifications for the Phillies. First, it's clear that Bo Bichette is now seeing dollar signs. Bregman, who is almost four years older than Bichette, is setting a higher price point for Bichette, even though they had comparable seasons offensively. The two were often considered the top infielders on the free-agent market, and the Cubs' move could have a ripple effect on the market. Second, the list of suitors for Bichette has evolved, and it might not be in the Phillies' favor. Recent reports suggested that the Cubs were getting in on the Bichette market, but they had been linked to Bregman throughout the offseason. And while the Red Sox were once considered Bregman's likeliest team, the Cubs' move could shift the dynamics. The most ominous cloud hanging over the Phillies' marriage with Bichette is the Red Sox. After trading Rafael Devers, the Red Sox intended to use the savings on a big-time infielder in the offseason. Now, with the Cubs' interest in Bichette, the Red Sox might be more motivated to land him than the Cubs would have been if Boston had re-signed Bregman. In an ideal world for the Phillies, the Red Sox and Cubs would both be interested in Bichette, with the Phillies as the last, hungriest team in the race. However, the Cubs' move could make Bichette-to-Philadelphia a little tougher and more expensive. If nothing else, it probably means we'll have a resolution sooner rather than later. The standoff between Bregman and Bichette is over, and Bichette will be the one watching everyone else fight over who's left. We'll see if the Phillies prevail in the end.
