Three Free Agents the Philadelphia Phillies Should Sign

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The Philadelphia Phillies were a disappointment in 2019. Looking forward to the 2020 season, here is how they can fix that.

2019 was supposed to be a magical year for the Philadelphia Phillies. The future seemed bright and the playoffs seemed like a guarantee.

Aaron Nola emerged as an ace, finishing third in National League Cy Young voting.
Bryce Harper was signed to a monstrous, at-the-time record-setting $330 million deal.

By signing the young sensation, trading for other All-Stars like Jean Segura and J.T. Realmuto, and signing 2013 NL MVP Andrew McCutchen, the Phillies increased their payroll by $54 million and went from the 23rdhighest payroll in 2018, to the 11th highest in 2019.

However, 2019 was a disaster for the Phillies. Gabe Kapler was fired, in just his second season, after finishing fourth in the National League East with an 81-81 record. Philadelphia was possibly the most disappointing team in the National League

Harper was good but not as good as he should be. McCutchen tore his ACL early in the season. Their centerfielder Odubel Herrera was suspended most of the season. The team ranked 22nd in the majors for batting average and 17th in the majors in OPS. Their new lineup was underwhelming and disappointing.

Aaron Nola’s ERA rose 1.5 runs, but he was still the team’s best pitcher. Their rotation lacked depth. The Phillies had the 22nd worst opponent batting average and 17th in the majors for ERA. Their whole pitching staff was mediocre and needs to improve.

If the Philadelphia Phillies want to make the playoffs next season, addressing their pitching must be a priority. As it is shown by the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals, paying for starting pitching is worth it and will show results. Besides adding more pitching, the Phillies need to add another bat. Here three players the Phillies should target this free agency.

Three Free Agents the Philadelphia Phillies Should Sign

Anthony Rendon, 3B, WSN

This deal makes sense for so many reasons. Rendon wants a big deal and the Philadelphia Phillies are willing to spend money.

Anthony Rendon, if he is not extended by the Washington Nationals, is the best hitter in this free-agent class. After having a career-year, Rendon will be looking for a lucrative and lengthy deal.

The Philadelphia Phillies have expressed interest in going after Rendon. Third base was one of their biggest weak spots Maikel Franco had another disappointing season, dropping his OPS 75 points. His time in Philadelphia may be coming to a close.

Utility man Scott Kingery spent some time at third base but that is not his strongest position and he will be needed to play other positions through the year.

The 2019 NL MVP candidate led the NL in doubles (44) and RBI (126). He also hit 34 home runs, hit .319, and had an OPS of 1.010, while playing stellar defense at the hot corner. He was the most consistent bat in the NL champ’s lineup.

Rendon, who does not turn 30 until late June 2020, could be looking for a five or six-year contract, making close to $30 million a season. If he wins a World Series, his price might keep rising.

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Three Free Agents the Philadelphia Phillies Should Sign

Madison Bumgarner, LHP, SFG

It is time for the playoff king of the 2010s to get paid.

Madison Bumgarner is hitting the open market for the first time and at the right time, as dominant lefties are in high demand.

He remained healthy and started over 34 times, struck out over 200 batters, and through over 200 innings for the first time since 2016, his last All-Star year.

Bumgarner would be a huge addition to their pitching rotation. His durability would improve their staff and allow them to use fewer relievers when he starts.

Over his 11-season career with the San Francisco Giants, the four-time All-Star won 119 games, three World Series, a WS MVP, and posted a 3.13 ERA over 1,846 innings.

Since he has a lot of mileage, teams are going to be hesitant to offer him a long-term deal. The Philadelphia Phillies should try to sign him to a deal similar to Jake Arrieta’s deal with the team, his three-year, $75 million deal.

The Phillies need another pitcher than guarantee them at least 200 innings, if healthy. Even though Nola is younger, Bumgarner would be a strong leader and ace for a young Phillies team.

The 30-year-old is known as one of the most dominant forces in the postseason. Singing Bumgarner would not just help them reach the playoffs but allow them to go deep into October.

Three Free Agents the Philadelphia Phillies Should Sign

Jake Odorizzi, RHP, MIN

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This move would not be as big as a splash as the other two, but Jake Odorizzi would give the Philadelphia Phillies a lot of depth in their rotation, but he will be a strong fourth or fifth starter for the club.

There will be openings in their rotation as Jason Vargas and Drew Smyly are both free agents.

Coming off of his first All-Star season, the righty is just reaching his prime. Showing a lot of improvement from 2018, he is going to continue to get better.

Over 30 starts, he went 15-7 with an ERA of 3.51, while striking out 178 batters over 159 innings for the Minnesota Twins. He helped Minnesota with the American League Central division.

Having a rotation with depth will always improve the team’s chance at making the postseason. If Philadelphia goes after Bumgarner and Odorizzi, their rotation could look like this:

1.     Madison Bumgarner
2.     Aaron Nola
3.     Jake Arrieta
4.     Jake Odorizzi
5.     Zach Eflin
6.     Vince Velazquez

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This rotation would be so much more consistent and deeper than their 2018 rotation. This would allow them to challenge the New York Mets’ and Washington Nationals’ rotations. It has been shown that spending money on starting pitching will give teams better chances on making the playoffs.

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