That Balls Outta Here
FanSided

Phillies: Free agents who could be tricks or treats this offseason

By George Stockburger

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: Starter Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros delivers a pitch during the second inning of a game against the Seattle Marinersat T-Mobile Park on September 24, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 24: Starter Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros delivers a pitch during the second inning of a game against the Seattle Marinersat T-Mobile Park on September 24, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 3
Next
phillies
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 20: Phillies general manager Matt Klentak of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on prior to the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park on September 20, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

The Phillies have a ton of options in free agency this offseason, but which ones should they avoid and which ones should they target?

Phillies general manager Matt Klentak has several areas to focus on this offseason when it comes to making the Phillies a World Series contender. The rotation needs at least two starting pitchers, the bullpen needs one or two reliable veterans to anchor late games, and there are questions across the lineup.

The Phillies will have a lot of options to turn towards this offseason, especially on the free agent market. After going all-in and spending stupid money on Bryce Harper, David Robertson, and Andrew McCutchen, Phillies owner John Middleton is expected to spend big once again.

Just as we saw last season, free agents can be tricks (Robertson) or treats (Harper). Who will those players be this offseason?

Here are a couple of names to target and avoid if you’re the Phillies front office.

Trick: Rich Hill, SP

Rich Hill has been an effective left-handed starting pitcher after blossoming in his late 30’s for Oakland. Since the 2016 season Hill has won 39 games with a 3.00 ERA for the A’s and Dodgers.

While the Phillies could certainly use a left-handed starter, Hill turns 40 and is coming off a season where he made just 13 appearances due to injuries. Had he stayed healthy and maybe been a couple of years younger, Hill would be the perfect addition for the Phillies rotation, a modern-day Jamie Moyer. But coming off knee and elbow injuries and turning 40 isn’t the combination the Phillies need if they want to win in 2020.

Treat: Martin Prado, INF

While there have been rumors of Prado possibly retiring this offseason, the 36-year-old do-it-all player would be a tremendous addition to the Phillies staff. Prado played for Joe Girardi in New York and has played every position except center field and catcher in his 14-year career, although the last couple of years he’s been limited to first and third base.

Prado would fill the role of Sean Rodriguez on the Phillies bench and be another leader for a relatively young clubhouse. He won’t be a guy the organization has to heavily rely on to play 120+ games and could fill in time at third should the Phillies not sign Anthony Rendon.

Home/Phillies News