With Jake Arrieta signed, what comes next for the 2018 Phillies?
By Koy Zdimal
Pre-Opening Day
There is not exactly a whole lot of time before Opening Day is upon us. We are just 16 days away from the beginning of the 2018 season. Yet there are still moves the Phillies could make.
More from That Balls Outta Here
- Philadelphia Phillies: Most impactful transactions in 2022
- How will Rob Thomson manage the Philadelphia Phillies bullpen in 2023?
- How Phillies’ Ranger Suárez is set to build on 2022 postseason dominance
- What can Philadelphia Phillies expect from Bryson Stott in 2023?
- 3 Reasons to get excited for Phillies’ Craig Kimbrel signing
There were reports that they could possibly sign two free agent pitchers. I would have loved to see the Phillies match or add more to the Twins offer and eventual signing of Lance Lynn. One year for 12 million is undoubtedly in Philadelphia’s price range. But it might not be the last opportunity they have to make an offer similar to that.
Alex Cobb is the final big-time free agent starting pitcher to fall. He reportedly turned down a two-year, $42 million deal from the Cubs and will now likely have to settle for a deal similar to Lynns. While he will most likely end up on the Brewers teams like the Yankees, Orioles, Rangers, Twins and the Phillies are still possible fits for Cobb.
Besides Cobb and possibly a return of Jeremy Hellickson there are not any other free agent possibilities. The rest of work will be working out the roster. The team has already DFA’d Tommy Joseph and will continue its wave of cuts. Scott Kingery will begin his season in the minors so the team has an extra year of control over the star prospect but he will be in the show by at least September.