Phillies: Three realistic expectations for the Phillies offseason

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 24: Carlos Santana #41 of the Philadelphia Phillies talks to General Manager Matt Klentak prior to the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park on April 24, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 24: Carlos Santana #41 of the Philadelphia Phillies talks to General Manager Matt Klentak prior to the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park on April 24, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
3 of 4
Phillies
PHOENIX, AZ – MAY 09: Starting pitcher Patrick Corbin #46 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the MLB game at Chase Field on May 9, 2013 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Add a starting pitcher

Pitching carried the Phillies through three-quarters of last season before everyone except Aaron Nola burned out. Both the starting rotation and bullpen were put in high-stress situations throughout last season when the bats couldn’t produce enough runs.

Nola and Jake Arrieta create a formidable top of the rotation, but everyone beyond them is a question mark. A combination of Jerad Eickhoff, Vince Velasquez, Zach Eflin, Nick Pivetta, Enyel De Los Santos, and Ranger Suarez will not survive another season without major breakdowns.

Someone will be the odd-man out of the Phillies rotation.

The Phillies would like to add a lefty to their rotation, and the best one available, Patrick Corbin, was in Philadelphia for a free agent tour this week. He’s since visited the Nationals and Yankees, a team he grew up rooting for.

More from Phillies News

If Philadelphia can’t secure Corbin, there are still options in free agency, though not as appealing to fans. A reunion with J.A. Happ is possible after a solid season for the Blue Jays and Yankees last year.

Would Charlie Morton 2.0 work out after a reawakening with the Astros?

Dallas Keuchel has big game experience coming from the Astros and he brings the Phillies a southpaw.

Nathan Eovaldi‘s name has been tossed around the rumor mill after his postseason performance.

Even if Matt Klentak can’t sign a free agent there are several arms available on the trade market such as Madison Bumgarner and Carlos Carrasco.

If the Phillies are to be contenders, they will add at least one starting pitcher this offseason.