Bo Bichette declined a qualifying offer; here's what Phillies would have to give up to sign him

If the Phillies wind up signing Bo Bichette, they'll have to give up more than just money. 

Bichette declined a one-year/$22.025 million qualifying offer from the Blue Jays, which means Toronto will receive draft-pick compensation if the two-time All-Star departs in free agency. 

Because the Phillies paid the competitive balance tax in 2025 — commonly referred to by fans as the luxury tax — they would have to give up their second and fifth-round picks in the 2026 MLB Draft, along with $1 million in international bonus pool money. 

In case you're wondering, another team signing Ranger Suárez — who also declined a qualifying offer — would not cancel things out for the Phillies. Again, because the Phillies exceeded the luxury tax threshold, their return for losing a qualified free agent wouldn't be nearly as much as if, say, the Pittsburgh Pirates lost a free agent who declined the QO. The Phillies would get just a compensatory pick after the fourth round of the 2026 MLB Draft if Suárez left, much less than they'd lose for signing Bichette. 

This doesn't mean the Phillies shouldn't sign Bichette, it's just something to consider. Losing two draft picks and international bonus pool money hinders your ability to draft, sign and develop young talent. The Phillies had a run of signing qualified free agents, such as Bryce Harper (2019), Zack Wheeler (2020), Nick Castellanos (2022) and Trea Turner (2023). You have to pick your spots when signing a qualified free agent, because it comes at a pretty great cost. 

That the Phillies are reportedly set to meet virtually with Bichette on Monday gives you an indication of how intrigued they are with adding his bat — he hit .311 with an .840 OPS in 2025 — to the lineup. Alex Bregman, who wasn't eligible to receive a qualifying offer, signed a seven-year/$175 million deal with the Chicago Cubs Saturday. But Bichette might make more sense for an older Phillies team since he'll play next season at 28 years old, as opposed to 32 for Bregman. 

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