Pospects for Phillies Free Agent Signings in the Next Two Years

Philadelphia sports fans are not the most patient fans in the world.  After the Phillies won the World Series in 2008, returned to the Series in 2009, and posted the most wins in team history on the backs of the four aces in 2011, it is understandable that Phillies fans got, well, frustrated as the team slid into the bottom of the standings for the last few years.  The frustration level had reached such a low that the fans demanded, and received, the dismissal of then General Manager Ruben Amaro, Jr.

But while a new era was ushered in under  President of Baseball Operations Andy McPhail and General Manager Matt Klentak, fans were advised to show patience.  Building a new team that could contend would take time.  The team embarked on a strategy of dismantling the remainder of the championship team, slashing the payroll and obtaining as much young talent in trades as was feasible.  The ultimate goal was to develop a cadre of young players in the minor leagues and avoid overspending on free agents until those prospects were ready to compete on the major league level.

In the last two years, then, Phillies fans have watched as the team made no blockbuster moves to sign big-name free agents during the off-season.  Of course, to some degree the lack of any blockbuster moves was due to the fact that there were not very many superstar level free agents available in the last two years.

Well, Phillies fans' patience may begin to pay off at the end of this season.  Young players have been developing, with some making an impact in the major league level.  Additionally, the quality of free agents available in the off season will begin to rise after this campaign.

The cream of the crop in the 2018 off-season will most likely be Jake Arrieta of the Chicago Cubs.  Assuming the Cubs don't succeed in signing Arrieta to a contract extension, the Phillies could use him as a quality veteran arm to anchor a starting rotation made up of young, talented pitchers such as Aaron Nola, Jared Eickhoff and Vince Velasquez.  To help shore up the bullpen, pitchers such as Drew Storen and Segio Romo may also be available.  On the offensive side, players such as Melky Cabrera or Lorenzo Cain could enhance the line-up.

But the real gem of free agency may be available in the 2019 off-season.  At that point, the ability of the Washington Nationals to control Bryce Harper ends.  It has already been rumored that Harper would be looking for a $400 million contract.  While the Yankees and the Dodgers are assumed to be interested players in the Harper lottery, the fact is that the Phillies, with their lucrative TV contract and careful payroll management may very well be in the running to sign Harper, assuming the Nationals are unable to sign him to a contract extension. 

Outfield help could also come from Andrew McCutchen.  Although, the Pirates appear willing to shop McCutchen this year in an effort to salvage some value before they lose him to free agency.  If McCutchen is traded, his new team may want to sign him to a contract extension to solidify their investment.

Another offensive power bantered about as being available in 2019 is Manny Machado.  Of course, should the Phils make a play for Machado, they would have to figure out what to do with current third baseman, the highly touted Maikel Franco.

In the next two years, high quality free agents could enhance the Phillies roster, and help guide a group of young, talented prospects to the post-season.  Fans' patience just may begin to pay off.

By:  William J. Kovatch, Jr.

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