Philadelphia Phillies: 4 free-agent options for rotation depth

The Philadelphia Phillies have reportedly come to terms with free-agent catcher J.T. Realmuto on a five-year, $115.5 million contract. As they finally check “Re-sign superstar catcher” off their MLB free agency to-do list, they can now transition to a new task: “Find another starting pitcher to throw to Realmuto.”

Philadelphia starters contributed a 4.08 ERA in 2020, ranking 10th best in MLB. If you remove Zack Wheeler’s 2.92 ERA and Aaron Nola’s 3.28, though, their team starting pitching ERA escalates to 4.80.

Zach Eflin solidified himself as a worthy No. 3 starter, but the Phils’ fourth and fifth starters last season – Vince Velasquez and Spencer Howard, respectively – were unconvincing.

Given their tentative internal candidates, the Phillies must aim for quality rotation depth through MLB free agency. Here are four starting pitchers that could fill their needs.