Phillies rumors: Team eyeing multiple star free agents
Phillies rumors surrounding free agents are picking up.
Multiple national beat writers have picked up on the Phillies rumors mill today and indicate the club is zeroing in on several additional free agents other than Bryce Harper and Manny Machado.
Jon Heyman of Fancred reported Tuesday that the Phillies “may take a closer look” at other free agents such as A.J. Pollock, Craig Kimbrel, and Dallas Keuchel once they sign either Harper or Machado.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today also reported that a team executive told him they have “visions of signing Harper, Keuchel, and Kimbrel.”
The dual Keuchel and Kimbrel reports are interesting after the team was reportedly unwilling to give each pitcher the number of years they wanted, but if there’s smoke there’s fire.
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Pollock would likely be insurance if the Phillies can’t sign Harper and end up with Machado. It’s unlikely the Phillies would start the 2019 season with three free agent outfielders (Andrew McCutchen, Pollock, and Harper) given the financial aspects of those three players and of Odubel Herrera’s contract.
The Kimbrel rumor is interesting because after the team signed David Robertson the overwhelming response from writers was that Philadelphia was done signing relievers. Unless Kimbrel’s price tag drops dramatically it’s hard to see them adding him unless they can unload Tommy Hunter or Pat Neshek in a trade.
Philadelphia has already added James Pazos, Juan Nicasio, Jose Alvarez, and Robertson to the bullpen this offseason.
Keuchel would be the perfect fit in Philadelphia as a left-handed starter who can force a lot of groundballs. As mentioned earlier, the team has been unwilling to add a fifth-year to any deal with Keuchel and would likely be looking at a three-year deal similar to Jake Arrieta’s.
Next. Signing Bryce Harper creates an enormous ripple effect. dark
This could be over in a week or carry into next month, so keep holding on Phillies fans.