The Phillies mean business this offseason. After a comment from owner John Middleton that they have "stupid" money to spend, the Phillies have made many nice moves – some very smart moves. But even after signing reliever David Robertson, outfielder Andrew McCutchen and adding infielder Jean Segura in a trade (and improving the team's defense but putting Rhys Hoskins at first base) we knew that the Phillies wanted to land a big target like outfielder Bryce Harper and Manny Machado.
But guess what: the Phillies might not stop there.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, who has predicted that the Phillies will sign Harper from the beginning, the Phillies could add some of the bigger names on the free agent market even after landing Harper:
The #Phillies, according to team executives, have visions of signing Harper, Keuchel and Kimbrel.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 15, 2019
That would give the Phillies a very formidable roster.
The Phillies have been long looking for a left-handed starting pitcher for their rotation. After missing out on Patrick Corbin to the Washington Nationals and J.A. Happ to the New York Yankees, the club still hopes to add one. Keuchel is represented by Scott Boras, who is also representing Harper. Perhaps the signing of one would help entice the other.
Kimbrel is somewhat surprising, given the addition of Robertson, who has been a major league closer. The Phillies might be in a good position to add Kimbrel, as the Boston Red Sox do not appear to be actively seeking to retain him and with a relatively low demand for closers this offseason. Once reportedly seeking six years and $100 million, Kimbrel will have to settle for less. And the Phillies might give it to him.
That would give the Phillies a rotation led by Kimbrel, Robertson, and Seranthony Dominguez, not even yet considering veterans Pat Neshek, Tommy Hunter, and Juan Nicasio, plus bounce back candidate Hector Neris and returning lefty Adam Morgan along with other lefties James Pezos and Jose Alvarez. The Phillies would have some significant bullpen depth.
The club would also have plenty of additional depth on the roster they can trade for prospects to help re-fill the system, as they will not need many additional major league pieces. But with many teams looking to fill out their rosters still at a lesser degree than the Phillies, they may have plenty of opportunities to make trades that will carry the team down the line.
Stay tuned.
