One of the Philadelphia Phillies’ division rivals is reportedly showing interest in free agent pitcher Aaron Nola.
Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports that the Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals are two teams expressing early interest in Nola. It is anticipated that Nola will be among the market’s most sought-after pitchers and that he will ask for a sizeable contract in free agency.
At the time of his NL Cy Young vote in 2022, Nola finished in fourth place. He is only thirty years old.
Despite his 2023 ERA of 4.46, teams like the Braves and Cardinals—who both need a front-line starter—are willing and ready to consider paying him a large salary because of his body of work. Given that the two teams have met in the postseason the past two years, it would be especially tough for the Phillies to lose him to Atlanta.
While the Phillies intend to keep Nola, they have started preparing in case he receives an irresistible offer from another team.