The Philadelphia Phillies and their chat with highly sought-after free agent pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto produced some wonderful news.
Before Aaron Nola committed to a long-term contract with the Phillies, there were rumors that the front management was keen to sign the 25-year-old Japanese sensation.
Following the awarding of a seven-year, $172 million contract that appears to be far less than what Yamamoto will now receive, Philadelphia is now perceived as a team that may acquire one or more minor players, if any at all.
Essentially, Matt Gelb of The Athletic stated as much in response to several mailbag inquiries on the addition of more starting pitchers.
“The Phillies are not going to attract any free-agent starter seeking guaranteed money or starts. Five of them are set starters. Pitchers that are available as free agents right now want assurances. The Phillies’ best response is to say, “You would be our first choice in case something were to happen to the other five.” In the end, some marginal starters who require a place to stay when the carousel stops spinning might find that appealing. The depth appears to be a few minor-league deals at that point, the author says.
It’s expected that Christopher Sanchez, Taijuan Walker, Zack Wheeler, Nola, and Ranger Suarez will alternate.
Although Yamamoto would be a fantastic addition and give them access to some of the greatest one-through-three starters in MLB, the Phillies already have the second-highest payroll going into the 2024 season, so his price tag presents a challenge.
It is therefore quite doubtful that they will add any high-profile starters, as Gelb is stating.
Relievers or some reclamation projects who will find job in their minor league system will likely be the additions if they make any.
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