Phillies may play spoiler to the Cubs’ plans after Edward Cabrera trade

The Philadelphia Phillies may throw a wrench into the plans the Chicago Cubs have following their trade for Edward Cabrera. With nearly $30M in space before the first level of the CBT, the Cubs are expected to be players for Alex Bregman, Bo Bichette, and Cody Bellinger in the weeks ahead, but Philadelphia may force them to show their hand early.

The Athletic's (subscription required) Matt Gelb reports that the Phillies are set to meet with Bichette this week as they work through possible scenarios for the rest of their offseason. The Phillies have been connected to Bichette throughout the offseason, and if they were to sign the former Toronto Blue Jays infielder, it would likely signal that the team won't be bringing back catcher J.T. Realmuto. It would also forecast a trade for incumbent third baseman Alec Bohm.

Cubs may be forced to act soon if they want to land Bo Bichette

There are a few things to keep in mind here, with the first being that Bichette is having a video meeting with the Phillies. Likely similar to the Zoom meeting the Cubs had with Alex Bregman earlier this winter. In other words, the fact that the two sides are meeting this week isn't a clear indicator that a deal is on the verge of being completed.

It's also possible that while the Phillies do have a sincere interest in Bichette, they are floating their planned meeting as a way to push things along with Realmuto. The two sides have been in a stalemate since the offseason started, and we've reached the point of the offseason where teams would like to shift their focus to the start of spring training. Knowing who your starting catcher is a key part of that process.

While a Bellinger reunion does make sense for the Cubs after Owen Caissie was included in the Cabrera, adding one of Bichette or Bregman remains the better move.

Bichette could open the 2026 season as the Cubs' starting third baseman while having the ability to spell at second base or shortstop in the event of an injury. Matt Shaw would move into a utility role on the bench, and things could also be shifted around next offseason when Nico Hoerner is a free agent.

The Cubs are in a position to make a move that would turn their offseason into one of the best they've had in recent years. While the Cubs shouldn't be expected to land any of these three players, the Cabrera will have a slightly different feel if there's no free-agent bat addition to follow it.