3 emergency moves Phillies need to make if rival Mets sign Juan Soto

Recent news has suggested that the running for this year's No. 1 free agent and generational talent Juan Soto is down to just five teams who have submitted offers to this point, one being the rivaled New York Mets.

With what was already a tough division with the always competitive Atlanta Braves, the Mets had a second half to remember that propelled them just two games from the World Series in 2024. A signing of Soto would be the most impactful move any team can make this winter and will definitely put a little more worry in the Philadelphia Phillies' camp.

Other names available include sluggers like former Met Pete Alonso or an outfielder from a local team Anthony Santander, but there is little on the offensive side that can match up with the production of the former World Series champion and MVP runner-up. So what options do the Phillies have that can give them the extra kick to topple not only the Mets but the rest of the field in 2025?

It has been publicized that the Phillies are open to shaking things up and have even offered several of their key pieces to their three-year run to the postseason, including 2024 All-Star third baseman Alec Bohm and 2023 All-Star outfielder Nick Castellanos. It's tough to predict what president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski and Co. will do, but a divisional rival signing a top-five player in the sport could end up being the straw that breaks the camel's back.

3 emergency moves Phillies need to make if rival Mets sign Juan Soto

Option No. 1: Acquire Garrett Crochet and Alex Bregman

It's like the Moneyball A's of the early 2000s, you can get 10+ WAR in more ways than one.

Chicago White Sox starter Garrett Crochet has been linked to trades for over a year now, and the Phillies have been right in the thick of things. Bob Nightengale of USA Today said the team has had "extensive talks" about Crochet and could consider a deal where Bohm goes in return.

In the deal with Chicago, along with Bohm, prospects will be sent. Depending on the level of players and how the White Sox view them, the Phillies could potentially try to include the big contract of Taijuan Walker and have the low-salaried South Siders give him a place to play out the last two seasons of his $72 million deal.

The Phillies would get a fifth starter who could be used strategically to be fresh for the postseason as well as another left-hander to neutralize the prowess of Soto.

Now, with a hole at third base and a substantial amount of money off the books, the front office can turn their attention to the player with the second most WAR of any free agent, Alex Bregman.

Bregman, who is only two years older than Bohm, has had long-term regular and postseason success with the Houston Astros, including a career 132 OPS+. Adding a proven postseason performer and a professional hitter who works counts could do wonders for the Phillies lineup.

Option No. 2: Trade for elite outfielder Kyle Tucker

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. If it's not going to be Soto, Kyle Tucker is a fantastic second choice.

Another player who has been rumored in trades as his team control is expiring, the long-time Astro is coming off an incredibly productive shortened season. In his 78 games while battling injury, Tucker hit 23 home runs and had an OPS just shy of one thousand at .993. Combining his elite hitting with Gold Glove-caliber defense, the Tampa native accumulated 4.7 WAR, a 10+ WAR full-season pace.

The more time that passes in free agency, the more and more it looks like Bregman will not return for his 10th season in Houston, meaning "retool" could be in order.

Astros general manager Dana Brown has already talked about getting creative with things this offseason (subscription required) in an attempt to replenish the farm but still stay competitive, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic. With an incredible half season from Tucker and his time under team control dwindling more each day, his peak value is in the present. Shipping Tucker out and regaining younger talent can help to extend the Houston dynasty.

Of course it helps the Phillies, too. It adds another big, proven postseason bat who can take the pressure off other sluggers and protect Bryce Harper. If Castellanos is actually available in trade, he could be an option to send back along with prospects to keep the Astros competitive and relieve money pressure in Philadelphia.

It also leaves the door open for an extension for Tucker. A massive hypothetical move.

Option No. 3: Sign a left-handed neutralizer

At the end of last offseason, it was revealed that the Phillies made a heavy push and substantial offer for Japanese star pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, so if there is a player who John Middleton and the front office believe can help the Phillies win a championship, they aren't going to be shy.

Two names that highlight the free agent pitching class that both just happen to be left-handed, a split that Soto has hit 143 points lower against in his career, are Max Fried and Tanner Scott.

The long-time division rival Max Fried would be the less likely of the two as he will demand a more long-term deal but is still an option on the table. The 30-year-old has pitched to a career ERA of 3.07, is a two-time All-Star and a runner-up for the Cy Young in 2022. He is a legit ace in most rotations and, like Crochet, would add another weapon come October.

If it's not a splash starting pitching move, a shutdown lefty out of the 'pen as a weapon to use against Soto in potential big spots would be the next best bet.

Scott, 30, has had back-to-back outstanding seasons with Miami and San Diego, leading to his first All-Star game nod in his age-29 season. He boasts a career .191 batting average against versus left-handed hitters.

While a top-tier starter would be a great counterpunch and give the team life, that would most likely require some kind of Walker salary dump. While Carlos Estévez and Jeff Hoffman both remain free agents, the bullpen could use some help. Matt Strahm provides a top-tier left-hander, but Scott adds another bullet in the chamber.

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