By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly editor 
The Baseball Winter Meetings are in full swing and the Philadelphia Phillies have the opportunity to get some deals done if they so please. There's already been a lot of rumblings around the team so far, with the organization reportedly discussing a reunion with Pat Neshek in addition to listening on offers for Cesar Hernandez or Freddy Galvis. While it seems the Phillies are more prepared to deal talent in return for starting pitching or prospects, they have the financial flexibility to sign a free agent or two if they want to add some more pop to their lineup.
In the middle of November, reports surfaced that the Phillies were one of a handful of teams interested in Indians first baseman and current free agent Carlos Santana. This didn't make a whole lot of sense with Rhys Hoskins looking to take over the helm at first base full time from Tommy Joseph, but perhaps the Phillies are also juggling with the concept of Hoskins in the outfield if they can nab a guy like Santana on the open market. According to Jon Heyman, the Phillies remain interested in the 31-year-old veteran.
Indians offer to carlos santana was $36M, 3 yrs but it came before free agency and technically has been pulled. He loves cleveland, and they’d likely go higher. Also interested: red sox, padres, rangers, phillies.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 11, 2017
Santana, who will be 32 in April, slashed .259/.363/.455 with 23 home runs and 79 RBIs, while also walking at a strong rate. Santana walked 88 times in 2017, while Cesar Hernandez led the Phillies with 61 walks. Tim Kelly of SportsTalkPhilly.com notes that general manager Matt Klentak values players who get on base at a high clip, and probably also feels the need to add a few veterans presences to what will be a talented, but very inexperienced team.
While the Phillies could offer Santana a substantial contract with their financial flexibility, don't expect them to outbid other teams when they have Hoskins ready to go at first in 2018 and beyond.
