The Philadelphia Phillies can improve in a few areas before they enter free agency. The trade market may also be able to meet these needs. Getting an outfielder is one of the Phillies’ top priorities that requires attention.
An outfield spot will become available when Bryce Harper takes over at first base on a permanent basis. To meet all of their primary needs, the Phillies have no shortage of trustworthy options.
Considering Johan Rojas’s defensive performance in the 2023 season, it’s plausible that the outfield spot is filled internally. Cristian Pache is another internal option for the outfield position if Rojas begins the season in the minor leagues.
The long-term signing of Aaron Nola by the Phillies allows general manager Dave Dombrowski to concentrate on making other improvements. They can now focus on strengthening the bullpen, for instance, by obtaining a trustworthy closer. It is possible, though, that the Phillies will trade for or sign another starting pitcher in order to add one more. Giving Zack Wheeler a well-deserved contract extension is another action they should take in regards to starting pitching. It’s critical to end the offseason with contracts that guarantee Nola and Wheeler’s futures.
The Phillies would have greater flexibility in trade and free-agency decisions if their top two starters were signed to long-term contracts. It would also avoid the scenario that the Phillies nearly encountered with Nola.
The Phillies should target acquiring these players this offseason, either through trade or free agency.
These Players Should Be Acquired by the Phillies This Offseason
Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Perhaps the best starting pitcher available in free agency is Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Major league teams could now sign the 25-year-old Japanese phenomenon after he was posted on Monday. Playing for the Orix Buffaloes in Japan for seven seasons, Yamamoto has a 70-29 record, 1.82 ERA, and 922 strikeouts. The Phillies are expected to challenge Yamamoto even with Nola remaining. The Phillies would have another excellent starting pitcher in their rotation after this acquisition. Additionally, adding Yamamoto or another starter to the rotation gives the Phillies the much-needed depth they need. Although it will be difficult given the fierce competition the Phillies will face, Yamamoto could be signed.
Josh Hader
The Phillies clearly need a lockdown closer after Craig Kimbrel collapsed in the postseason, and Josh Hader can be that guy. Hader finished the previous season with a 2-3 record, a 1.28 ERA, and 33 saves while playing for the San Diego Padres. Hader is also one of the best closers in baseball and a five-time All-Star. Hader’s signing would provide the Phillies with a legitimate closer, enabling the bullpen roles to be more structured. For the bullpen going forward, it would be best to abandon the closer-by-committee method.
Lane Thomas
Even though it would be thrilling for the Phillies to acquire Mike Trout, they don’t have the best outfield option available in the trade market. A trade with the Washington Nationals to acquire Lane Thomas would be preferable given salary and team control concerns. In addition, Thomas will be managed by the team for the upcoming two campaigns. Thomas hit.268/.315/.468 with 28 home runs, 86 RBI, and 20 stolen bases in 156 games the previous season. Given the contract value of Nola, it’s likely that the Phillies will use trades rather than free agency to acquire the outfield player they need. There’s also a chance that players currently on the roster are used by the Phillies to cover the void.