Unforeseen: The Phillies will Sign Potential Players this offseason to Set -up for a Surprise next Campaign.
The Philadelphia Phillies have certain needs that can be addressed as they enter free agency. These requirements may also be met through the trading market. One of the most pressing needs the Phillies must address is the acquisition of an outfielder. With Bryce Harper taking over full-time at first base, an outfield spot will become available. The Phillies have a plethora of dependable solutions to meet all of their primary needs. Given how well Johan Rojas performed defensively during the 2023 season, the outfield opening could be filled internally. Cristian Pache is another internal option for the outfield berth if Rojas begins the season in the minor levels.
With Aaron Nola re-signing with the Phillies on a long-term basis, GM Dave Dombrowski can concentrate on other areas for improvement. For example, they may now focus on strengthening the bullpen by finding a dependable closer. However, it is feasible that the Phillies will sign another starting pitcher in free agency or through a trade. Another thing they should do in terms of starting pitching is give Zack Wheeler a well-deserved contract extension. It’s critical to come out of the offseason with both Nola and Wheeler under contract for the foreseeable future. The Phillies would have more flexibility in making trade and free-agent decisions if their top two starters were under contract for the long haul. It also would prevent the situation the Phillies almost ran into with Nola. These are a few players the Phillies should try to acquire this offseason, whether via trade or free agency.
These Players Should Be Acquired by the Phillies This Offseason
Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Yoshinobu Yamamoto may be the finest starting pitcher available in free agency. When the 25-year-old Japanese sensation was posted on Monday, he became accessible to major league teams. Yamamoto had a 70-29 record with a 1.82 ERA and 922 strikeouts in seven seasons with the Orix Buffaloes in Japan. Even if Nola stays, the Phillies are anticipated to pursue Yamamoto. This addition would strengthen the Phillies’ rotation by providing them with another high-quality starting pitcher. The addition of Yamamoto or another starting pitcher provides the Phillies with much-needed rotation depth. It will be difficult to sign Yamamoto since the Phillies will face stiff competition, but it is feasible.
Josh Hader
Lane Thomas
As wonderful as bringing Mike Trout home would be for the Phillies, he is not their best outfield option in the trade market. Given salary and team control considerations, acquiring Lane Thomas from the Washington Nationals would be a superior choice. Thomas is also under team control for the next two seasons. Last season, Thomas hit.268/.315/.468 with 28 home runs and 86 RBI and 20 stolen bases in 156 games. With Nola’s contract value, the Phillies are more likely to solve their outfield need through trade rather than free agency. It’s also possible that the Phillies will replace the vacancy with guys already on the roster.
READ MORE:
Pitcher Aaron Nola on his Decision to Remain with the Phillies: ‘It’s the most comfortable place.’
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56239787/usa_today_10214971.0.jpg)
After signing a seven-year, $172 million deal extension with the Philadelphia Phillies on November 19, right-handed pitcher Aaron Nola termed the franchise “the most comfortable place” for him.
“Enjoyable and not enjoyable at the same time,” remarked Nola on Monday. “It’s not about the money. Being in a location where we want to be for the next seven years. That is the more crucial element for me. We wanted to travel through and see what it was all about, but in the end, this is where we wanted to be.”
Nola made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut in 2015 after being picked seventh overall by the Phillies in 2014. In 2018, he was named an All-Star, and in 2022, he was named to the All-MLB Second Team. He pitched 193.2 innings this season, going 11-9 with a 4.46 ERA, 1.151 walks and hits per inning pitched, and 202 strikeouts.
The Philadelphia Phillies ended the 2023 regular season with 90 wins and finished second in the National League (NL) East. They defeated the Miami Marlins and the Atlanta Orioles in the playoffs before falling 4-3 to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League Championship Series.
“We have one of the best pitchers in baseball who fits right in with our team,” Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said. “Sometimes you have to make concessions, go to certain lengths.” You evaluate the numbers and the length of the contract, an individual who is skilled, a fantastic pitcher, dependable, you know the individual’s makeup, and an exceptionally hard worker.”
Nola posted a 3-1 record with a 2.35 ERA in four postseason starts. “We’ve gotten pretty close,” he admitted. “Obviously, we have the team to do it.” It is everyone’s goal in the organization to accomplish this. That was a major reason I returned.”
This offseason saw the departure of a number of key players, including Shohei Ohtani, who earned his second consecutive American League Most Valuable Player award. Nola was the first of them to land a lucrative contract.
Leave a Reply