This season didn’t go in accordance with plan for the Philadelphia Phillies. Boasting the fourth-highest payroll in MLB, the franchise’s fourth straight season within the prime 5 in highest payroll, the Phillies once more fell wanting its World Collection objective.
Philadelphia is predicted to bolster its roster aggressively, desperate to capitalize on the championship window that All-Stars Bryce Harper, Zack Wheeler and Trea Turner present.
The group has already been linked to marquee free agent Juan Soto, who may command a $500 million contract this winter. With seven contracts with an annual worth of $20+ million already on the books, the Phillies aren’t any strangers to spending massive. Nevertheless, it might enhance its roster through the commerce market.
Listed here are three difference-makers that might make the Phillies on the spot World Collection favorites:
Garrett Crochet (LHP, Chicago White Sox)
The 25-year-old Crochet emerged as a premier pitcher for the lowly White Sox final season. In his first full season again from Tommy John surgical procedure, the southpaw notched a 3.58 ERA and 204 strikeouts. The calling card for the No.11 choose within the 2020 MLB Draft was his fastball, which carried a formidable 97.2 MPH common, the fourth highest amongst lefties.
With two years remaining on his contract, Crochet is an ace-caliber pitcher paid like a center reliever, making him an inexpensive choice that matches any group’s competition window. Ought to the Phillies purchase him, Crochet would bolster a rotation that already consists of Wheeler, Aaron Nola and Cristopher Sanchez. With Crochet, Philadelphia would have arguably essentially the most formidable employees within the majors.
Jesús Luzardo (LHP, Miami Marlins)
Luzardo is one other budding southpaw the Phillies may goal in a commerce. The 27-year-old is an electrical pitcher with a penchant for hanging out batters when on the sector. Luzardo averages just below 10 strikeouts per 9 innings via six years in the league.
Sadly, the Peruvian pitcher has had issue acquiring a clear invoice of well being. Early in 2024, Luzardo hung out on the injured record with elbow tightness however returned and regarded wholesome till he suffered a stress response in his decrease again that proved to be season-ending. He additionally missed appreciable time with a forearm pressure in 2022, a damaged hand in 2021 and Tommy John surgical procedure as a prospect.
Maybe the Marlins will wait till he is wholesome once more and increase his commerce worth earlier than dealing him. Given Luzardo’s intensive damage historical past, the Phillies possible wouldn’t must pay a premium to amass him.
Nolan Arenado (3B, St. Louis Cardinals)
After having an MVP-caliber 2022 season, Arenado’s offensive numbers have barely tapered off. The eight-time All-Star has produced barely better-than-average numbers (.269/.320/.426) over the past two seasons. Even at 33, Arenado is a potent menace on the plate that might do harm for a playoff group.
The ten-time Gold Glove winner continues to be a premium defender on the sizzling nook. Based on USA Right now’s Bob Nightengale, the Phillies have already begun buying third baseman Alec Bohm. Needing an improve within the nook infield, Philadelphia may kick the tires on an Arenado commerce.
Arenado would add one other confirmed bat to a Phillies lineup that desperately wanted one within the postseason. Moreover, Turner, Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto are already accustomed to Arenado from their time collectively on Workforce USA throughout the 2023 World Baseball Traditional.
Arenado’s contract isn’t any small expense however may very well be a worthy funding for a group constructed to win now.
Honorable Point out: Mike Trout (OF, Angels)
Buying Trout is an unlikely final result for the Phillies this offseason. In spite of everything, the Angels outfielder is owed a staggering $35M this season and has struggled mightily with accidents lately. Since 2020, Trout has performed in simply 290 video games as varied illnesses have hindered the three-time AL MVP.
Regardless of his damage issues, Trout is an intriguing commerce candidate for Philadelphia and nearly each contender. The 11-time All-Star is likely one of the greatest pure hitters in baseball historical past and will wreak havoc within the Phillies’ stacked lineup.
Because the Angels fade into obscurity, the chance of them lastly buying and selling their franchise participant grows. Following their ninth consecutive shedding season, it might behoove the Angels to commerce Trout and rebuild.
Ought to the group go for a hearth sale, Philadelphia shouldn’t hesitate to gauge the value on Trout.
