The Phillies seem, more or less, content to promote from within — as it were — with regards to their position players.
From youngsters Rhys Hoskins, J.P. Crawford and Nick Williams to veterans Odubel Herrera and Freddy Galvis, it seems much more likely the Phillies spend their vast reserves of revenue on a starting pitcher or two.
Here is a look at some of the best matches for the team as the hot stove gets set to heat up this winter:
1. Jake Arrieta
The top dog is Yu Darvish, but all signs point to a huge contract from a contender for the Japanese ace. The Phillies could be active in pursuing the second best starter available in former Cy Young award winner and World Series champion Jake Arrieta. The righty will likely not return to his all-world form from a few seasons ago but is certainly worth an investment to be a top of the rotation arm and veteran presence in an up and coming locker room.
2. Lance Lynn
Lynn’s career stats make him nearly as attractive an arm as Arrieta, but his pedigree could make him cheaper. Lynn is 72-47 with a 3.38 career ERA. At 30 years old, he still has some of his prime ahead of him, making him an awfully good fit for the Phillies.
3. Alex Cobb
Cobb had a sky-high bright future with the Rays before needing Tommy John surgery a few years ago, but he has rebounded nicely after a 12-10 campaign with Tampa last year sporting a 3.66 ERA. Phillies newly hired manager Gabe Kapler has connections in Tampa, where he missed Cobb’s debut in 2011 by one season.
4. Brandon Morrow
Morrow was a workhorse out of the bullpen for the Dodgers this postseason and had an impressive regular season too, winning all six decisions and posting an ERA of 2.06. He is a converted starter, but currently seems happy in his role as a reliever. Still, as seen with Pat Neshek last season, a top of the line arm can be a stabilizing force in a young bullpen.
5. Jaime Garcia
Garcia was a solid lefty-starter in St. Louis for several seasons before he was passed around the league in 2017, appearing in games for the Braves, Twins and Yankees and posting career worst numbers. That makes his value perfect for a low-risk environment like Philadelphia.
