A meeting between the Phillies and the free-agent infielder went “very well,” Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported Tuesday.
Matt Golb of The Athletic reported the two sides met by video call on Monday, with both sides emerging “with optimism.”
Heyman said the Toronto Blue Jays star also considers the Phillies a “first-class” organization.
The Phillies also have hired former Blue Jays bench coach Don Mattingly, which is considered another positive for Bichette.
Other selling pitches, Heyman reported, are the Phillies’ roster, their home stadium and the proximity of their spring complex in Clearwater, Fla. to Bichette’s Florida home.
Of course, the Blue Jays’ spring complex in Dunedin also is close to where Bichette lives.
Heyman said the Blue Jays, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and others remain in the running for Bichette.
Heyman reported last week Bichette is seeking a contract with a value of around $300 million.
Bichette hit .311 last season, placing second in the majors with 44 doubles and tying for second with 181 hits despite missing the final 20 games of the regular season with a PCL sprain in his left knee.
He missed much of the final month as well as the ALDS and ALCS with the injury, but returned for the Fall Classic, hitting .348 with one home run and six RBIs.
Through seven MLB seasons, Bichette is slashing .294/.337/.469 with 111 home runs and 437 RBIs.
