Phillies rumors: Team checking in on Yu Darvish, other free agents
By John Town
The Phillies have reportedly checked in on multiple big-name free agents, including starting pitcher Yu Darvish, according to a recent report.
Free agency has ground to a complete halt in baseball this year. The Phillies, a team many expected to stay fairly quiet, have been the biggest spenders so far this year. That should change as the big names on the market get signed, but when will that happen?
Reportedly, Yu Darvish may be the first of the dominoes to fall. He will decide which team he signs with by the end of the week according to MLB.com’s Jon Morosi. ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick reports that Darvish has at least one five-year contract offer on the table, with the Cubs, Twins, Rangers, Dodgers, and Brewers all listed as potential landing spots.
According to Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic, Philadelphia has thrown their name into the ring, checking in on Darvish and other top free agents.
#Phillies checking in with Darvish and most of high-profile free agents, sources tell The Athletic. Idea is to assess respective markets to see if deal makes sense. Unlikely Phils would be high bidder, but if player fell into their range - preferably short-term - they might jump.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 24, 2018
These other free agents are likely the other starting pitchers still left unsigned. Darvish and Jake Arrieta are the top two on the market, but others like Alex Cobb and Lance Lynn could wind up being targeted.
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Rosenthal was quick to note that they are unlikely to start a bidding war with the other teams, but would certainly pounce given the opportunity if the asking prices started to drop. All four of the aforementioned pitchers would certainly be upgrades over the current rotation, but the cost and length of the deal will ultimately determine whether or not a signing takes place.
General manager Matt Klentak stated last week that the team would like to engage in free agency if the market falls. However, he also noted that they weren’t going to spend just for the sake of spending, instead giving opportunities to the club’s younger players.
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This report from Rosenthal confirms what most have thought about the Phils in recent weeks; if the price drops on big-name free agents, they certainly would take a look at signing them.