Philadelphia Phillies could become a force in free agency
By David Hill
The Philadelphia Phillies made a splash in free agency last year. They may be gearing up to own the 2018-19 offseason.
Last year, the Philadelphia Phillies were a surprising entrant into free agency. Seemingly in the midst of their rebuild, they went out and signed Jake Arrieta and Carlos Santana, two players that could help teach the young Phillies how to win. Surprisingly, the Phillies have been a success this season, leading the NL East as they head into the All Star Beak.
Understandably, the Phillies are looking to build off of their success this season. Not only are they one of the favorites to land Manny Machado before the trade deadline, but they are also looking to spend heavily in the offseason. Not only are they looking to bring in Machado for the long term, but they are also interested in landing Bryce Harper as well.
Owner John Middleton has emerged as a driving force in Philly. He's very aggressive and has no reservations about spending money. This is hard to fathom, but I've talked to people who think he might try to sign both Bryce Harper and Manny Machado as free agents this winter. https://t.co/kT9jzpul9M
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 15, 2018
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If the Phillies are successful in luring both players to Philadelphia, it would give them quite the formidable lineup. Although Scott Kingery is expected to be a future piece of the puzzle in Philadelphia, he has struggled thus far in his rookie campaign. In 337 plate appearances heading into Sunday, Kingery has posted a .236/.282/.339 batting line, hitting four homers and stealing eight bases. Given Machado’s preference to play short, his signing could turn Kingery into more of a utility player for the Phillies,
Meanwhile, plugging Harper into the outfield mix would solve the Phillies problem in right. Although his .214/.365/.468 batting line is far below his standards, Harper has still hit 23 homers and leads the league with 78 walks. Meanwhile, the Phillies right fielders have combined for a .193/.296/.335 batting line, their .631 OPS ranking 28th in baseball. Harper would be quite the upgrade.
It is clear that Phillies ownership not only desires a winner, but to build the franchise into a perennial contender. Theoretically adding Machado and Harper, to soon to be free agents that are just reaching their prime, to a young and exciting roster would help with that plan. Whether or not one, or both, head to Philadelphia remain to be seen, but Middleton’s intention of opening the vault bodes well for their chances.
Next: Chase Utley and the Hall of Fame
The Philadelphia Phillies made a splash last offseason in free agency. This year, they are looking to those 2017 signings appear minor by comparison.