TORONTO, ON – AUGUST 16: Toronto Blue Jays infielder Bo Bichette (11) is seen in the middle of the seventh inning of an MLB game between the Texas Rangers and the Toronto Blue Jays on August 16, 2025, at Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON. (Photo by Mathew Tsang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Philadelphia Phillies are strengthening their grip on the National League playoff picture, posting one of baseball’s best records since Don Mattingly took over as manager and emerging as a legitimate World Series contender.
While much of the attention around Philadelphia has focused on the club’s resurgence, a recent series against the Toronto Blue Jays was occasion for the spotlight to focus on Mattingly’s previous post, as a bench coach for the American League pennant winning club.
And as Mattingly reflected on the heart-wrenching Game 7 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in last year’s Fall Classic, he sent a message on a former Blue Jays star who has been struggling to adjust to his new home.
Toronto Blue Jays Former Franchise Shortstop Bo Bichette Struggles With New York Mets
Bo Bichette entered 2026 carrying significant expectations after departing the Blue Jays and joining the New York Mets on a blockbuster contract. Instead of leading the Mets to a surefire playoff bid, though, the veteran shortstop has found himself at the center of growing scrutiny as his new club continues a search for consistency.
But even though Bichette has been a bit disappointing at the plate, most seem to recognize that he possesses the talent to turn things around.
“This is not a veteran bat that has simply forgotten how to hit,” Joe Pantorno wrote of Bichette’s debut campaign with the Mets for amNY. “Bichette batted .311 last season with the Toronto Blue Jays and holds a .294 career average. But he is in a lineup that has not been at full strength for most of the season — Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor traded places on the IL with strained calf injuries — and the avalanche of losses has understandably compounded the pressure in a new, bigger city.”
Philadelphia Phillies Skipper Don Matting Sends Bo Bichette Message After Toronto Blue Jays Finale
That perspective appears to be shared by Mattingly, who coached Bichette during his time with the Blue Jays organization.
“I’ve known Bo a long time,” Mattingly said this week, per the Toronto Sun’s Steve Simmons. “I always liked the way he played.”
And even as Bichette struggles to remain productive with the Phillies’ division rival, Mattingly sent a four-word message of enduring support.
“I still like him,” Mattingly added.
Rather than focusing on recent struggles, Mattingly pointed toward the larger body of work that made Bichette one of the American League’s most productive young hitters during his years in Toronto.
The comments also reflect the respect that Mattingly has maintained for many of the players he worked with during his tenure in the Blue Jays organization before taking over in Philadelphia. It might not be too farfetched to imagine the two reuniting in Philadelphia if Mattingly stays on and Bichette’s opts out of his Mets deal.