3 players for Philadelphia Phillies to target this offseason

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The Philadelphia Phillies ended up where they hoped to be in 2022, but it was not an easy path.

They appeared to be dead in the water when Joe Girardi was fired. Rob Thomson was handed the reins to a flawed and injury riddled team, expected to hold down the fort until the end of the year. Instead, the Phillies responded to his leadership and even withstood their annual September collapse to go on an improbable run to the World Series. Although they came up short, the Phillies have to feel great about how the season ended.

Three players for Philadelphia Phillies to target

Now comes the hard part. The Phillies have to find a way to be able to prove that 2022 was not a perfect storm leading to a fluke result. It is time to get back to the postseason and finish the job. However, as they are still dealing with a flawed roster and the same questions they had at the beginning of last season, that may be easier said than done.

There will be a great deal of pressure on the Philadelphia Phillies to return to the postseason. Let’s look at three players they could target in that quest.

Xander Bogaerts

It is easy to connect the dots between Xander Bogaerts and the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Phillies have needed a shortstop since Didi Gregorius showed that he was not the answer. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski spent time in Boston while Bogaerts was part of the major league roster and had signed him to a seven year extension. And the Phillies have been clear that they will be shopping at the upper areas in free agency this offseason.

Bogaerts would make a tremendous difference in the lineup. He produced a .307/.377/.456 batting line in his 631 plate appearances, hitting 15 homers and 38 doubles. He also had one of his best seasons defensively, saving four runs at short last season.

That defense could make a difference as well. While Bogaerts may not be a Gold Glove shortstop, he would likely push Bryson Stott to second base. Stott cost the Phillies four runs at short last year, but was a positive at second base. The Phillies could, in one move, improve every aspect of the middle of their infield.

The Philadelphia Phillies have been connected to Xander Bogaerts since it was first reported that he was considering opting out. A move to Philadelphia makes perfect sense.

Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Brandon Nimmo

The Philadelphia Phillies learned what the rest of the baseball universe already knew last season – they desperately need someone that can catch the ball in the outfield.

That was especially clear once Bryce Harper was forced into designated hitter duty. An outfield that had a pair of DHs in Nick Castellanos and Kyle Schwarber was not going to impress anyone with their defense. It also put a spotlight on another ongoing black hole for the Phillies – center field.

The answer may be available in free agency. Brandon Nimmo has gone from being a fourth outfielder to establishing himself as an excellent option in center, easily at the top of the market at the position. He posted a .274/.367/.433 batting line with 16 homers and 30 doubles in his 673 plate appearances, drawing 71 walks with just 116 strikeouts.

Nimmo would also serve as the top of the lineup presence that the Phillies need. His ability to get on base would make a difference in a powerful lineup, giving the Phillies that chance to start the game off with an immediate threat. At the same time, he would serve as the first viable option that the Phillies had at the position since the days of Shane Victorino. Add in the bonus of taking a player from the rival Mets, and Nimmo checks all the boxes.

The Philadelphia Phillies have needed to find a center fielder for years. Brandon Nimmo could finally be that answer.

Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Kenley Jansen

The bullpen has been one of the biggest problems facing the Philadelphia Phillies for years.

That has particularly been the case in the ninth inning. The Phillies have been searching for that shutdown option since Jonathan Papelbon was sent away, struggling to find consistency in that role. Such was the case in 2022 as well, as injuries and ineffectiveness led to 11 different pitchers notching saves for the Phillies.

The problem is that there is not much available in free agency this offseason. The Phillies could be tempted to simply see if Seranthony Dominguez can handle the role for a full season. Otherwise, if they take the route of bringing in an Officially Proven Closer, the Phillies should set their sights on Kenley Jansen.

While he is not the dominant force he had been, Jansen was still effective for the Braves last season. He posted a 3.38 ERA and a 1.047 WHiP over his 64 innings, striking out 85 batters with 22 walks while leading the league with 41 saves. At 35 years old, Jansen may not be a long term solution, but he could be the answer in the ninth inning for at least a couple of years.

The Philadelphia Phillies still need to find a closer. Kenley Jansen might be the answer they have been seeking for nearly a decade.

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