4 next moves Phillies need to make after signing Whit Merrifield

3. The Phillies should add a starting pitcher to form a “big three”

The Phillies’ starting rotation appears more or less set for 2024, with the big two of Nola and Wheeler, to go along with Taijuan Walker, Ranger Suárez, and Cristopher Sánchez. That's a solid starting five and should keep them in contention for the most part.

But with many teams around the league starting to invest their resources into forming a “big three” for their front ends of the rotation, the Phillies may need to follow suit to give themselves a chance to compete. With all due respect to Walker, Suárez, and Sánchez, they are solid rotation pieces but not front-end, potential ace-like material.

As a result, they should pursue one more big arm to add to their rotation. The best candidate for that role is reigning NL Cy Young winner Blake Snell. Not only would he instantly transform the Phillies into perennial contenders, but he also has the stuff that could make him a No. 1 starter in the rotation. The fact that there hasn’t been much interest in Snell so far works in favor of the Phillies, as he can potentially be recruited with a shorter-term, more economical deal.

But if that doesn’t work out, there’s always a great consolation prize in reigning World Series champion Jordan Montgomery to fall back on. He may be just a tier under Snell, but Montgomery has proven to be a front-end starter for much of his career with a lifetime 3.68 ERA and 1.21 WHIP, along with three postseason appearances and a World Series ring to boot in his seven years in the big leagues. He would fit nicely as the team’s No. 3 starter behind Nola and Wheeler. The main thing is that the Phillies need to act soon before the market heats up even more for both players.