Why the Pittsburgh Pirates are backing off Eugenio Suárez as $10.25M Alec Bohm buzz grows amid Bo Bichette talks?

Bo Bichette became the center of fresh MLB offseason talk on Saturday, after new moves by the Toronto Blue Jays changed the market. The news came from league insiders in the United States, and it quickly pulled in the Pittsburgh Pirates and Philadelphia Phillies. With money, timing, and fit all in play, one name started to stand out as a realistic option for Pittsburgh: Alec Bohm. The situation picked up pace after Toronto spent big again. That spending pushed Bo Bichette out of their plans and opened doors for other teams. It also made clear that Pittsburgh will not chase high-cost stars this winter.

Alec Bohm emerges as Pittsburgh Pirates option after Jon Heyman links Bo Bichette to Phillies

MLB insider Jon Heyman reported on Saturday that Bo Bichette is now being linked to the Philadelphia Phillies. This came just hours after the Toronto Blue Jays completed a four-year, $60 million deal with Kazuma Okamoto.Toronto has already committed about $337 million to four free agents, including starters Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce, plus reliever Tyler Rogers. With the Blue Jays also chasing Kyle Tucker, insiders believe Bo Bichette is no longer part of their plans.That shift matters for Philadelphia. The Phillies already have Trea Turner and Bryson Stott locked into key infield spots. If Bo Bichette arrives, someone has to move. Kody Duncan, a Pittsburgh Pirates insider, made his view clear in a post on Saturday.“If the Phillies sign Bo Bichette, the Pirates need to get on the phone immediately and trade for Alec Bohm,” Duncan wrote. “If the Pirates couldn’t afford Okamoto, they definitely can’t get a guy like Eugenio Suárez.”Bohm is set to earn $10.25 million through arbitration in 2026, a number the Pirates can manage. Suárez, who turns 34 next season, is expected to seek a deal worth $70–80 million over four years, according to earlier reports from Jim Bowden on MLB Network Radio.Philadelphia writer Shaun Nestor added on X that the Phillies could also look to move Nick Castellanos, who is on a five-year, $100 million contract. Trading Bohm and Castellanos could clear $30.25 million, giving the Phillies room to chase Bo Bichette.Also Read: MLB Trade Rumors: Yankees Not Budging On Cody Bellinger Deal As Angels Predict Strong Push For Nolan Arenado