MLB rumors: 4 teams who could sign Aaron Nola if he doesn't return to Phillies

While it hasn't been all that long ago since the Philadelphia Phillies were knocked out of the postseason by the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Phillies are already figuring out exactly how they want their roster to look for 2024.

One of the biggest decisions awaiting the Phillies will be the possibility of bringing back starting pitcher Aaron Nola, a veteran right-hander who has only worn a Philadelphia uniform during his nine years in the league. However, with reports saying the Phillies and Nola were "four years and about $100 million apart in their negotiations last winter," it seems a real possibility that Nola could leave the City of Brotherly Love for a bigger contract this offseason.

Where could Aaron Nola land if not with Philadelphia Phillies?

According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale in his weekly column that is linked above, four strong possibilities exist to sign Nola and lure him away from the Phillies. One of those teams would be a punch in the gut for Philadelphia fans to absorb for sure, with the Atlanta Braves listed among the four teams. While Philadelphia has had Atlanta's number in the postseason the last two years, knocking the Braves out of the playoffs, landing Nola to boost the rotation would certainly be a bit of revenge for those moments.

Outside of Atlanta, Nightengale lists the St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Dodgers and defending World Champion Texas Rangers as possibilities as well. Seeing Nola land in St. Louis or Los Angeles would also be sticky for Phillies fans as they know their team would potentially have to go through one of those squads to reach the World Series.

The Cardinals are reportedly in the hunt for front-line starting pitching, and the Braves, Dodgers and Rangers have shown in recent seasons they don't mind spending money to land top-notch talent. It certainly sounds like the Phillies could certainly have a fight on their hands to keep Nola for 2024 and beyond.