Philadelphia Phillies in Line for Significant Salary Relief Next Year, But Will They Make Long-Term Investments?
The Phillies' upcoming free agent scenario is shaping up to be a fascinating one. Several high-priced players are set to leave the roster after this season, and with the team's anticipated increase in payroll flexibility, they may finally be able to make some long-term investments.
Assuming the MLB labor issues don't completely overhaul the current financial system, the Phillies will have around $82 million coming off their books. While it's likely that most of these departing players will walk, there are a few candidates who might catch the team's eye for extension talks.
One player often mentioned in extension discussions is Jhoan Duran, who has shown himself to be an elite late-innings closer. If he continues to dominate on the mound, the Phillies may want to lock him up before he hits free agency and commands a massive payday. A preemptive extension would make perfect sense for Duran as his prime years approach.
On the other hand, players like Edmundo Sosa, Alec Bohm, Adolis García, and José Alvarado will likely be on the move next year. Sosa, with his impressive defensive skills and hitting ability, might not fit into the Phillies' plans for a potential infield upgrade, while Bohm's trade rumors have been persistent for years, suggesting he may not be part of the team's future.
The Phillies did extend some players recently, including Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto in the offseason, as well as Cris Sánchez last year. While it's unclear whether they'll follow a similar path with their upcoming free agents, it's clear that they value investing in their core players for the long haul.
Other players worth considering for extensions are Bryson Stott and Brandon Marsh, both of whom have shown flashes of promise but also have significant flaws. Their arbitration years will come to an end next season, making them prime candidates for low-cost deals.
As the Phillies look to build a contender around their core players, they'll need to make some smart decisions about who to keep and who to let go. Will they take a chance on extending one of their prized young prospects, like Andrew Painter or Aidan Miller? The answer to that question could have significant implications for the team's future success.
The Phillies' upcoming free agent scenario is shaping up to be a fascinating one. Several high-priced players are set to leave the roster after this season, and with the team's anticipated increase in payroll flexibility, they may finally be able to make some long-term investments.
Assuming the MLB labor issues don't completely overhaul the current financial system, the Phillies will have around $82 million coming off their books. While it's likely that most of these departing players will walk, there are a few candidates who might catch the team's eye for extension talks.
One player often mentioned in extension discussions is Jhoan Duran, who has shown himself to be an elite late-innings closer. If he continues to dominate on the mound, the Phillies may want to lock him up before he hits free agency and commands a massive payday. A preemptive extension would make perfect sense for Duran as his prime years approach.
On the other hand, players like Edmundo Sosa, Alec Bohm, Adolis García, and José Alvarado will likely be on the move next year. Sosa, with his impressive defensive skills and hitting ability, might not fit into the Phillies' plans for a potential infield upgrade, while Bohm's trade rumors have been persistent for years, suggesting he may not be part of the team's future.
The Phillies did extend some players recently, including Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto in the offseason, as well as Cris Sánchez last year. While it's unclear whether they'll follow a similar path with their upcoming free agents, it's clear that they value investing in their core players for the long haul.
Other players worth considering for extensions are Bryson Stott and Brandon Marsh, both of whom have shown flashes of promise but also have significant flaws. Their arbitration years will come to an end next season, making them prime candidates for low-cost deals.
As the Phillies look to build a contender around their core players, they'll need to make some smart decisions about who to keep and who to let go. Will they take a chance on extending one of their prized young prospects, like Andrew Painter or Aidan Miller? The answer to that question could have significant implications for the team's future success.