Three moves Phillies should make this offseason after re-signing Aaron Nola: Bolster bullpen, add another ace?

The Philadelphia Phillies received the National League in 2022 and — after successful 3 extra regular-season video games — fell quick in Game 7 of the NLCS this previous season. To make two immediately NLCS presentations the Phillies are an impressive ballclub at this time, however they nonetheless have not had greater than 90 wins in a season since 2011. 

That approach another busy offseason for Dave Dombrowksi and corporate as they appear to construct a powerhouse. 

The maximum vital merchandise of the offseason has already been checked off the listing. Frontline beginning pitcher Aaron Nola is again on a seven-year, $172 million deal. 

Also, with the Phillies making plans to stay Bryce Harper in the beginning base, we all know the outfield seems to be set and — assuming Kyle Schwarber remains within the designated hitter spot as an alternative of going again to left box — there isn’t any spot to retain Rhys Hoskins. 

There have additionally been rumors of the Phillies in all probability buying and selling Nick Castellanos, however I simply do not see that going down with 3 years and $60 million left on his deal. Perhaps they would deal Alec Bohm after which attempt to signal a 3rd baseman like Justin Turner, which might be a temporary transfer, however they’re in a win-now state of affairs. Still, I believe like they’re going to most commonly run it again on offense, particularly taking into account cases like beginning final yr with out Bryce Harper and the way dreadful Trea Turner used to be till early August. JT Realmuto had a down yr, too. In spite of all that, the Phillies have been 3rd within the NL in OPS and fourth in runs. 

With the ones issues in thoughts, listed here are some extra transfer the Phillies can make this offseason to be able to make stronger their ballclub for 2024. 

1. Sign Yamamoto

Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto is headed stateside for subsequent season and the Phillies are rumored to be taking a look at him. In bringing again Nola, it could look like the Phillies have a complete rotation, however there may be all the time room for a Yamamoto kind. 

Keep in thoughts additionally that the Phillies necessarily used a bullpen sport within the NLCS in the back of starter Christopher Sánchez. If without equal objective is successful the World Series, now not having to make use of a bullpen sport within the playoffs is an effective way to steer clear of bullpen problems within the sequence. The Phillies’ incapacity to attain runs within the final two video games of the NLCS value them the sequence, positive, but additionally take into account bullpen problems value them Games 3 and four. With another stud beginning pitcher within the combine, possibly the bullpen shakes out higher for Rob Thomson. 

Yamamoto suits the invoice. He used to be 17-6 with a 1.16 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 176 strikeouts in 171 innings final season in Japan. He’s simplest 25 years outdated, too. 

This transfer would give the Phillies one of the vital perfect rotations within the league and units them up effectively for a deep playoff run.

2. Grab a late-inning reliever 

The Phillies had a choice of energy hands within the bullpen final season and they’re going to have José Alvarado, Jeff Hoffman, Gregory Soto, Seranthony Domínguez and a few others again. It has the glance of a doubtlessly stellar bullpen. Craig Kimbrel is a unfastened agent and there is a little bit of a void left. Kimbrel is lovely maligned at this level, however he did supply 69 regular-season innings of labor and used to be productive sufficient to acquire 1.8 WAR. 

Lefty Josh Hader is a unfastened agent, however the Phillies don’t look like the best are compatible right here, as Hader mainly calls for that he simplest pitches within the 9th inning and Thomson likes extra flexibility. Plus, after re-signing Nola and most likely looking to make a run at Yamamoto, cash may well be a subject matter. 

Some names that make sense: Jordan Hicks, Collin McHugh, Joe Kelly, Michael Fulmer, Adam Ottavino

And what a few Liam Hendriks lottery price ticket?

3. Sign a software participant

The Phillies’ place avid gamers appear lovely smartly set. They’ll DH Schwarber whilst taking part in Realmuto in the back of the plate, Harper in the beginning, Bryson Stott at 2nd, Trea Turner at quick, Alec Bohm at 3rd and Brandon Marsh, Johan Rojas and Nick Castellanos across the outfield. Their bench, at this level, is not one of the vital more potent facets of the workforce. It could not harm to have anyone who can fill in overdue in proper box for Castellanos and who too can maintain 2nd and 3rd base, every so often, to spell Bohm and Stott when the matchups warrant it. 

Perhaps Whit Merrifield or Adam Frazier are compatible the invoice. Eduardo Escobar used to be terrible final season, however he used to be productive for a couple of years sooner than that and may nonetheless thrive in this kind of position. The similar may well be mentioned for Jean Segura, who used to be with the Phillies from 2019-2022.