By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor 
Even if the Philadelphia Phillies do not acquire Manny Machado, they appear eager to replace Maikel Franco at the hot corner no matter what for the 2019 season.
The Phillies and Chicago White Sox — another Machado suitor — are "monitoring" the market for free agent third baseman Mike Moustakas, according to MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi, who writes "each club is interested" in making Moustakas an offer if their preferred free-agent third baseman in Machado signs elsewhere.
Moustakas, 30, is a two-time All-Star and 2015 World Series champion who slugged 28 home runs and 95 RBI last season between 98 games with the Kansas City Royals and 54 games with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Morosi writes:
It's easy for the Phillies and White Sox to remain in touch with Moustakas, since his agent — Scott Boras — also represents Bryce Harper, in whom both clubs have interest.
The White Sox know Moustakas well from his long tenure with the division-rival Royals, while Moustakas would address a need for left-handed power in the right-handed-dominant Philadelphia lineup. (In that way, Moustakas is an even better fit for the Phillies if they miss out on Harper, as well.)
If the Phillies land either Machado or Moustakas, the club — according to Morosi — will then attempt to deal Franco, who has slugged 85 home runs over 533 games in red pinstripes since September 2014.
The Phillies have already replaced their everyday shortstop and first baseman, and appear to have their sights set on adding a new third baseman, too, prior to spring training commencing next month.
