As the MLB Hot Stove begins to heat up, the general consensus around the sport is that the Philadelphia Phillies are expected to be major players in free agency.
With ample money at their disposal this offseason, the club has already been connected to the likes of Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, among other top free agents.
While landing a perennial bat remains their biggest priority, the Phillies are also said to be in the hunt for a top-flight starting pitcher and reliever. Thus, the club has additionally been connected to Patrick Corbin, Nathan Eovaldi and Craig Kimbrel.
Looking to spend aggressively this winter, multiple executives around MLB believe the Phillies could sign multiple free agents before Harper and Machado even agree to terms, via Jon Morosi of MLB.com:
The Phillies aren’t waiting on decisions from Harper and Machado as the team ambitiously pursues upgrades to its roster, people in the industry told MLB.com Monday. In fact, the sources said it’s possible the Phillies will sign multiple free agents before Harper or Machado agree to terms.
While the Phillies reportedly have their doubts in regards to signing Machado, the club ideally would like to pair him with Harper and form an impressive 1-2 punch in the middle of their lineup.
Though they intend on spending lavishly, it’s possible that the Phillies miss out on both Harper and Machado and go in another direction.
They have reportedly inquired on Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt as well, indicating they are serious on making a splash this offseason.
