The Philadelphia Phillies remain an enigma regarding whether or not they will make any more roster additions this offseason. Will the Phillies make a significant addition or not? That's the question, with pitchers and catchers due to report for spring training in Clearwater in less than three weeks.
President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has been exercising patience regarding whether or not he and general manager Sam Fuld will add another player who could be a key contributor to Philadelphia's aspirations of winning a World Series in 2024.
The recent depth signing of Kolby Allard is akin to when the club added Dylan Covey last year. The Atlanta Braves 14th overall pick in 2015 doesn't have good career numbers — a 9-24 record with a 6.10 ERA. He may end up competing for a bullpen spot and be a spot starter when needed.
So, what else do the Phillies need to do after bringing in Allard?
Will the Phillies upgrade the major league starting rotation?
Starting pitchers Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery are both represented by Scott Boras. The agent is well known for making sure his clients get as much money as possible when they become free agents. It doesn't appear that the Phillies are a strong suitor for either pitcher. However, the longer top players remain available, the lower the asking price may get.
Disrespect is at an all time high #nextyear
— Taijuan Walker (@tai_walker) October 25, 2023
While the presumed starting rotation of Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suárez, Taijuan Walker, and Cristopher Sánchez is solid, it would be a good move for Philly to add a pitcher who could compete for a spot in the middle of the rotation. Walker's future with the team could be shaky, considering he didn't make any starting or relief appearances during last year's playoffs. He wasn't happy, to say the least.
The club may also choose to stand pat and instead spend their money by extending their ace Wheeler, as he'll be a free agent after this season.
More minor league pitching depth
Philadelphia could always add a veteran pitcher or two for depth in the minor leagues. Injuries can strike any player at any time, and many experienced hurlers are looking for a new team to join.
Some of the veterans we've already discussed who would be a good fit include Carlos Carrasco, Matt Barnes, and Ken Giles, who threw a bullpen for interested teams on Friday. There is still an abundance of experienced arms without jobs who could be willing to join a winning team with the hopes of battling for a chance to reinvigorate their careers.
You can never have enough pitching.
NEXT: Do the Phillies still need to make a bullpen upgrade?