Phillies
With the off-season almost in full effect, the Phillies will look to bolster their roster during the winter meetings. The free agent class isn’t anything special, but there are a few big names available.
It will be interesting to see what the Phillies do since most of their roster is under contract. Rightfully so, Alec Bohm and Nick Castellanos are the two names constantly out in trade talks. Whether they trade them for a direct replacement or overall roster improvement is set to be seen. I don’t see them being able to move, say, Castellanos for a quality starting right fielder. It is more likely they would be able to move him for a bench guy or low-level reliever.
After looking through each position there aren’t a ton of free agents options that stick out to me. Nevertheless, let’s take a look at the potential free agents the Phillies could benefit from.
CATCHER
The obvious re-sign here is JT Realmuto. Not only is he the best catcher on the market, he is still a top player at his position in baseball. I mean just look at some of the other names out there Salvador Perez, Victor Caratini, Danny Janson, James McCann, Austin Barnes, Gary Sanches, shall I go on? There really isn’t a question on what to do here.
FIRST BASE
First base is a little more interesting because of Pete Alonso. The Mets first baseman may be the best player available on the market. Alonso has a player option with the Mets but can elect to become a free agent like he did after last season. Alonso, who hit .272 with 38 homeruns and 126 RBIS last season would provide a huge boost to the lineup. He could split time at first base with Bryce, allowing Harper to get the rest he needs at this point in his career. The die hard in me says no thank you to Alonso. He may be a productive addition, but I would struggle seeing that man in a Phillies uniform.
Ryan O’Hearn and Josh Naylor were the two other names that stuck out to me, but I don’t see the Phillies having interest in those guys, unless O’Hearn was brought on as a bench bat.
SHORTSTOP
The Phillies do not need a shortstop; however, we do need a third baseman. Bo Bichette would be an unreal replacement for Bohm. He will probably receive a massive contract, so I doubt the Phillies can make the money work, but adding Bichette to this lineup would be a difference maker.
Trevor Story was the other option at shortstop, but I see him returning to Boston. He has a club option (that the Red Sox can reject), however Story was a productive player for the Red Sox this season and he will stay put in Boston.
Third Base
The hot corner is up for grabs this year in Philadelphia. Free agent wise Alex Bregman is the most obvious move the Phillies make. He is an experienced player who is an above average fielder and hitter. His offense will provide more consistency than Bohm, and he is more mature which should help the Phillies in the playoffs. Maybe the Bregman move is too obvious and Dombrowski goes another route, but this move makes sense for the Phillies.
Eugenio Suarez is another intriguing third baseman, however his age (34) may be an issue for Philadelphia. The Phillies did express interest at the deadline, so he may be on their radar but I don’t see Suarez as a great FA signing for the club.
Max Muncy does have a club option, which I expect to be picked up. Muncy would be awesome to have on this roster even at 35. He can play all over the infield and is a proven bat. Unlikely he isn’t a Dodger, but an interesting name that may be available to the Phillies.
CENTER FIELDER
Outfield is another spot the ballclub will look to upgrade this off season. The outfield in Philadelphia is wide open. The two best options for center are Cody Bellinger and Harrison Bader. Bellinger will cost a pretty penny and seems like a guy who would stay in NY, but he would be an ideal fit for the Phillies. He can play all 3 outfield positions and first base. With our current lineup, I wish he batted right-handed, but Bellinger would be a difference maker for this team offensively and defensively. Bader would also be a great signing. He does have a player option, which most likely gets declined making Bader a FA. He provided outstanding defense and vibes to the Phillies last season. Bader would be welcomed back to Philadelphia.
RIGHT FIELDER
There is only one right fielder I would be interested in and he would be my ideal FA signing – Kyle Tucker. Still only 29 years old, Tucker will thrive in this Phillies lineup. He can fill in at the four spot behind Bryce, giving him the protection he needs. Although his defense has declined the last few seasons Tucker is still a capable defender and an upgrade over Castellanos. This signing would make the Phillies off-season and only add to their World Series potential.
DESIGNATED HITTER
Easy one here. Sign Schwarber, unless you want Joc Pederson (lol) or Marcell Ozuna (LOL). Pay him what he wants.
STARTING PITCHERS
One thing the Phillies are flush in is starting pitching. The Phillies own Ranger Suarez is a free agent, but even if they don’t re-sign him the starting pitching still looks good. There are some big names on this list, but if the Phillies were to add a starter in FA (outside of bringing back Ranger) I could see a name like Zac Gallen or Shane Bieber being connected to the Phillies. With Painter still a little bit of an unknown and the injury to Wheeler, either would be a potential sneaky add to the Phillies, that gives them the pitching depth needed for the playoffs.
RELIEF PITCHERS
The bullpen could also use some work. Alvarado has a club option so it is yet to be seen if he will be back. With the need for a left-handed arm, it is likely Alvarado stays with the club. Regardless they need to fill the spots of Romano, Ross, and Robertson. There are a few relievers on the market that should interest Dombrowski. First, Devin Williams. He had a somewhat of a down year with the Yankees but still has electric stuff. Adding him to the bullpen with Duran (and Caleb Cotham) could be deadly. Tyler Rodgers is another name that interests me. Although a little older the submarine pitcher is still highly effective. He could be a useful player but may add too many right-handed arms. The last name that stood out was all-star closer Robert Suarez. Coming off a monster season with the Padres, Suarez can opt out of his contract. Maybe he decides to chase a payday. Unlikely but his arm would be a welcomed addition to the bullpen.
Photo Credit: Scott Taetsch
Categorized: Phillies
