Five starting pitchers the Phillies could pursue in free agency

By John Town | Sep 2, 2017

PHOENIX, AZ - AUGUST 13: Starting pitcher Jake Arrieta #49 of the Chicago Cubs looks over to first base as he pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning of the MLB game at Chase Field on August 13, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

2 of 6

Phillies /

Jake Arrieta

Jake Arrieta is one of the top names in free agency this year, but unlike other top players, the Phillies may not be out of the running. ESPN’s Buster Olney said on the Baseball Tonight podcast that Philadelphia is one of four teams that could be serious contenders for Arrieta this winter.

Arrieta’s start of the season was concerning as he had a 4.35 ERA and 1.30 WHIP. He has turned it around since the All-Star Break as Arrieta has posted a 1.59 ERA with 51 strikeouts and 17 walks in 56.2 innings. This second half is like the Arrieta that won the Cy Young in 2015 and it will give him enough leverage in free agency to get a pretty lucrative deal.

Arrieta has one of the higher upsides on the free agency market, second only to Yu Davish. Philadelphia could be a landing spot for Arrieta, but they will have to give him a lot of money to do so. He also probably wants a deal closer to five or six years, which is a dangerous contract length for a player who will be 32 when the season starts next year.

Home/Phillies News