The Philadelphia Phillies will have quite a few decisions to make this coming offseason. While decisions such as re-signing Aaron Nola and Rhys Hoskins may be at the forefront of many fans' minds, deciding how to handle players eligible for arbitration is important too.
The Phillies have eight players who are arbitration-eligible heading into 2024. Some of those players will be offered contracts while others will be non-tendered. The club should consider attempting to sign some of these pieces to longer-term deals that would buy out their remaining arbitration years and perhaps some early free agency years.
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One prime example of how this could work is Nola, who signed a four-year deal in 2019, bypassing many of his arbitration years. José Alvarado signed a two-year extension one week after settling his arbitration case last offseason. The move bought out the left-hander's final arbitration year and his first year of free agency, likely saving the club money. The Phillies made a similar move with Seranthony Domínguez last offseason, signing him to a two-year deal with a club option for 2025.
By signing players through their arbitration years and free agent years, the Phillies can save themselves some money while controlling their players long-term. Players often prefer long-term deals as well. It shows the team has confidence in them and takes away the distraction of their next contract.
So, who should the Phillies offer long-term deals to this offseason?