Philadelphia Phillies: Stay away from one-year deals

The Philadelphia Phillies made some surprising transactions last offseason, many of which included the addition of players on one-year deals. This offseason, they should stay away from those short commitments with position players.

Things are finally looking up for the Philadelphia Phillies. Aaron Nola is a true number one, Rhys Hoskins is as powerful as everyone expected, and the rest of the offense is coming together. One major weakness the team still faces is in the starting rotation. In all fairness, it’s a problem for just about every MLB team.

One area the Phillies do not need to worry about is the outfield. Last year’s team received a lot of offense from the threesome of Nick Williams, Odubel Herrera, and Aaron Altherr. Rather than sign a veteran to a one-year deal in the same vein as they have in recent years, it’s best Philadelphia avoids those contracts this offseason.

This means no rebound candidates or contract eating. Unless, of course, the Phillies are willing to make a longer commitment.

An army of free agent position players is currently gearing up for the frenzy that is the hot stove season. For the Phillies, it’s important to remember how good they really do have it. This team already has multiple options at nearly every position. An overcrowded outfield and a few other minor leaguers knocking on the big league door should keep them away from signing a veteran just to fill a roster spot.

This means no deal with Carlos Gonzalez. This means no trade for Matt Joyce. The Phillies must let their young players take the field as much as possible. The lone exception is building the bench. When it comes to that, I do believe the Phillies would benefit from a Jeff Francoeur or Daniel Nava in the locker room.

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When it comes to pitchers, one-year deals aren’t as hurtful to this team. The Phillies can certainly benefit from inking Chris Tillman or any of the other free agents looking for a rebound season.

This is because the Phillies don’t have a large number of starting pitcher candidates for next year. At least one of those spots in the rotation should go to a more experienced piece. More specifically, someone not all that far removed from pitching well. Derek Holland, for instance, is too far removed from a good year.

Philadelphia has a few goals this offseason and even more directions they could head. The important thing to do is decide which members of the current roster are in the long-term plans. By doing this first they can pick from the rest of baseball and determine who can fill those holes.

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More than anything, the Philadelphia Phillies can’t hold back the kids any longer. They have a new manager in place and are gearing up for big changes.