3 moves for Philadelphia Phillies this offseason
Another year, another disappointing finish for the Philadelphia Phillies. And yet, it should be a finish that they saw coming.
The Phillies have faced the same problems for much of the past few years. The bullpen has been a disaster, the rotation has not had enough pieces, and the lineup is too reliant upon three players to produce. In reality, the fact that the Phillies managed to win 82 games speaks more to the struggles of the division than any progress made by the franchise.
Three moves for the Philadelphia Phillies this offseason
And here we are again. The Phillies are hoping to contend in 2022, stealing the “Wait ’til next year” refrain from the Brooklyn Dodgers. But once again, they have a lot of work to do if they are actually going to step up and be a viable contender in the NL East.
The Philadelphia Phillies are still dreaming of the postseason. Let’s take a look at three moves they need to make to get there.
Sign Starling Marte
The Philadelphia Phillies desperately need help in the outfield and someone to set the table for their sluggers. Starling Marte would be a perfect fit.
Marte had an impressive season in 2021. He produced a .310/.383/.458 batting line with 12 homers and 27 doubles during his time between the Marlins and A’s, stealing a major league leading 47 bases. He has also been a solid defensive presence over his career, a strong center fielder who can take pressure away from the corner outfielders.
It is not going to be easy to sign him. Marte is one of the top free agents in the game, and arguably the top outfielder available. With plenty of teams in need of outfield help, Marte will have his choice of suitors.
This is not a battle that the Phillies can afford to lose. They need someone who can transform the lineup, a dynamic top of the order bat who can generate runs with his speed. Marte is exactly the type of player that they need on the roster.
The Philadelphia Phillies have questions atop their batting order. Starling Marte would be the answer.
Trade for Craig Kimbrel
Closer has been an ongoing issue for the Philadelphia Phillies, with Hector Neris and a host of others drifting in and out of the role. They need someone capable of locking down the ninth inning, making certain that those leads stand up.
Unfortunately, there is not much available in free agency. Raisel Iglesias is clearly the top option, but he comes with the Qualifying Offer. The secondary options are not overly exciting. Fortunately, there is an option available for trade – Craig Kimbrel.
Kimbrel was supposed to be the missing piece for the White Sox, a second dominant closer who was slotted into the eighth inning to give Chicago a bullpen buzzsaw. Instead, Kimbrel imploded, failing to recapture the dominant form he had displayed with the Cubs earlier in the year.
At $16 million, and with only four dominant months over the past three seasons, Kimbrel would be a major gamble. He is also a gamble the Phillies need to take. If they are going to make a serious move to contend in 2022, that will involve shoring up the ninth inning. No matter how much of a question mark Kimbrel may be, he would be a better option than anything the Phillies have had in the bullpen since Jonathan Papelbon.
The ninth inning has been an ongoing thorn in the Philadelphia Phillies’ side. Trading for Craig Kimbrel could solve those problems.
Sign Marcus Stroman
The Philadelphia Phillies have a solid duo atop their rotation in Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola. Ranger Suarez showed a great deal of promise as a starter. But the Phillies could still use a proven option for the middle of their rotation.
Marcus Stroman could be the answer. After missing the entire 2020 season due to injury and eventually opting out, he had an excellent bounceback season. He posted a 3.02 ERA and a 1.145 WHiP over his 179 innings, striking out 158 batters with just 44 walks. Those may not be the numbers of an ace, but they certainly work in the middle of the rotation.
Stroman can also provide the Phillies with something they desperately need. They seemed lifeless far too often last season, a team that just could nice rise up in the big moments. Stroman’s fiery personality may be able to rub off on some of those players, and coupled with Bryce Harper could give the Phillies that spark they need.
He is not going to be cheap. Stroman led the majors with 33 starts last year, and teams will pay for the comfort of knowing they have someone who can take the ball every fifth day. Nonetheless, he is exactly the type of pitcher that the Phillies need in the middle of their rotation.
Next. Keeping Bryce Harper happy. dark
The Philadelphia Phillies still need help for their beleaguered rotation. Marcus Stroman would be a perfect fit.