Phillies Analyst Critiques Mets After Bichette Decision
The Phillies missed out on Bo Bichette, but a Philadelphia analyst believes the true “loser” in this scenario is the Mets.
Ben Davis, a former MLB player and NBC Philadelphia commentator, was critical after the Mets secured the talented infielder with a three-year, $126 million contract.
Reportedly, Bichette turned down a seven-year, $200 million offer from the Phillies.
Davis, speaking on Philadelphia’s 94WIP, remarked, “It’s a joke. I just go where I can get the best deal and, honestly, it’s all about the money. It’s the losing organization.” He noted that there’s just something about the Mets that doesn’t feel right. They seem to project a “loser” vibe, he added.
These inaugural press conferences can be revealing, and Bichette’s statements caught many off guard. After signing, he expressed enthusiasm about joining the Mets, praising the vision laid out by owner Steve Cohen and baseball operations head David Stearns. Bichette said, “They have an organization that aims for winning championships every year, and that’s exciting.”
It’s hard to ignore the $42 million per year that Bichette will be earning, which likely influenced his choice. The Phillies, on the other hand, offered an average of about $28.6 million annually but over a longer period.
Davis wasn’t shy about expressing his feelings on others’ remarks regarding the Mets’ commitment to winning, especially considering last year’s struggles. He seemed to imply that such statements were misleading, saying, “There are only a handful of teams not dedicated to winning. So when he claims, ‘We’re dedicated to winning,’ it’s kind of a slap to the Phillies.”
In response to losing Bichette, the Phillies re-signed catcher JT Realmuto for three years at $45 million. This move stands out amid what many view as a less than impressive offseason for the NL East champions. Meanwhile, the Mets have made notable additions like Bichette and Freddy Peralta, while the Phillies largely stick with their existing roster.
