The Phillies lost the Bo Bichette sweepstakes, yet this Philadelphia analyst insists its the Mets whom are the true “losing” organization.
Former MLBer and NBC Philadelphia announcer Ben Davis ripped the Mets after they stole the prized infielder on a three-year, $126 million deal.
Bichette turned down a reported seven-year, $200 million pact from the Phillies.
“It’s a joke,” Ben Davis said on Philadelphia’s 94WIP. “You’re just going to go where you get the best deal for you and get the most money. Whether you stink or not, you’re still going to get the most money possible. … And the fact that — that’s a losing organization up there. It just is … They’re pretty good.
“There’s something about them, they give off the vibe that they’re losers.”
Davis, who played for three teams from 1998-2004, particularly seemed bothered by Bichette’s comments at his introductory press conference Wednesday.
While those pressers are known for clinches — it’s shocking how many guys only had their eyes on the team they signed with! — the ex-Blue Jay’s comments set off those in the City of Brotherly Love.
“Several conversations with teams … came to the conclusion that it was very obvious I wanted to be a Met,” Bichette said. “Mr. (Steve) Cohen and (president of baseball operations) David Stearns have put together an organization that is looking to win every single year, has an opportunity to win a World Series every single year and a roster that backs that up and it’s very exciting to be a part of the city…”
Now, as Davis said, yes, we can surely assume that the $42 million per year Bichette is receiving factored into why he wanted to be a Met.
The Phillies’ offer, though for more years, averaged roughly $28.6 million per year.
But it’s rare to find an athlete who says they just followed the money.
Davis also did not appreciate the line about the Mets’ pursuit of winning, which others have also called out after last year’s colossal flop.
However, it’s clear that ownership will do what it can to win with Cohen once again going past the so-called “Cohen tax” this offseason in hope of building a contender.
“They give off the vibe that they’re just a losing organization, and the fact that he says they’re committed to winning, there’s only a handful of teams that aren’t committed to winning,” Davis said.
“The fact that he says that, like, the Phillies aren’t? Come on, man. Blow that smoke somewhere else.”
The Phillies reacted to the Bichette signing by re-signing declining catcher J.T. Realmuto to a three-year, $45 million deal that encapsulated an underwhelming offseason by the NL East champions.
While the Mets have loaded up with Bichette, Freddy Peralta and others, the Phillies are pretty much rolling out the same team.
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