By Matthew Postins Sports Illustrated Inside The Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies made one big splash in free agency and that was getting pitcher Aaron Nola to re-sign for seven year and more than $170 million.
Even if that’s all the Phillies do, that’s a good offseason.
But, the Phillies are a player for Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto as well, though they are not the favorite.
While the roster appears pretty set for 2024, there are still places the Phillies could stand to shore up.
Earlier this year, The Athletic published its Top 40 free agents. Some have flown off the board, such as Shohei Ohtani. But, as of this writing, more than half of the free agents listed are still available.
Here are the five players that would be the best fit for the Phillies among the remaining free agents on the list.
RP Josh Hader
If you want to lock down the closer position with quality results for the next four or five years, then Hader is the only logical option.
Last season he had a 1.28 ERA and 33 saves with 85 strikeouts in 56.1 innings. With Craig Kimbrel signing with the Orioles, the Phillies are in need of a closer. Hader is the most logical solution for a starting rotation that should be among the best in baseball.
UTL Whit Merrifield
Merrifield is a second baseman and outfielder and recently told MLB Network that while he prefers second base, he’s cool with bouncing around.
The Phillies could use one more outfield bat, given that they intend to use Kyle Schwarber as the full-time DH for 2024. Merrifield could play outfield, DH or even back up Bryson Stott at second base on a one-year deal.
OF/DH Jorge Soler
The Phillies already have tons of power, but what’s one more bat that can play outfield and spell Schwarber at DH? Soler is hitting the market at the right time, coming off a season in which he hit 36 home runs. Would the Phillies try to get him on a one-year deal with an option for a second? It might be worth investigating.
SP Hyun Jin Ryu
The Phillies already have a solid rotation. But injuries are going to happen, Andrew Painter isn’t an option for 2024 and the Phillies don’t want to rush other prospects like Mick Abel or Griff McGarry.
Ryu is coming off a short 2023 in which he gave up three or fewer runs in nine of 11 starts off Tommy John surgery. He’s 36, he’s a lefty and his cutter already has bite coming off surgery.
RP Jordan Hicks
If the Phillies can’t get Hader, Hicks would be a potential closer option, even though he’s never been a full-time closer. He had 12 saves with 3.29 ERA with 81 strikeouts in nearly 66 innings. He can hit 100 miles per hour on the radar gun and he could swing into a set-up role if closer isn’t for him.
