Phillies free agency rumors: Team won’t be outbid for Patrick Corbin
The Phillies have made it clear to Patrick Corbin and the other teams pursuing him that they will not be outbid for the left-handed starter.
The Phillies made their first move of the offseason Monday acquiring Jean Segura and two relievers from the Mariners for Carlos Santana and J.P. Crawford. However, they are nowhere near done as they look to make a splash in the free agency market.
The team’s front office now has their eyes set on lefty starter Patrick Corbin, who has become the most sought-after pitcher on the market. Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Corbin has returned to the top of their priority list. Andy Martino of SNY.tv tweeted that “rivals speculate that Phils are in strong position.”
Bob Nightengale of USA Today took things a step forward Tuesday, stating that the Phils insist they will not be outbid for Corbin. Indeed, the other teams in the hunt for Corbin (Yankees and Nationals) are realizing that as well.
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With that in mind, how high will Philadelphia potentially have to go? Nightengale tweeted that Corbin will get at least a six-year, $125 million contract according to several executives. Lauber noted in his aforementioned tweet that Corbin is looking to get as much if not more money than Yu Darvish did last offseason with a six-year, $126 million contract from the Cubs.
The wildcard in this scenario will be the Yankees. There has been speculation that Corbin will sign with the Yankees for less money to play for the team he grew up rooting for. Corbin’s younger brother ended his best man speech at Corbin’s wedding by putting a Yankees hat on.
Corbin’s family grew up as Yankees fans and obviously want to see their talented relative join the team they already root for.
Take that for what it’s worth, but if Nightengale’s report is correct, Philadelphia would be willing to put up even more money to steer Corbin away from the Yankees. This offseason will be Corbin’s best chance to cash in on his talent, so he and other free agents will likely follow the money wherever it goes.
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Nightengale stated that Corbin is expected to make his decision by the end of this week, so we will soon learn where and for how much Corbin will sign.