The Philadelphia Phillies have made it no secret that they intend to spend big this offseason, and that could mean signing the top starting pitcher on the free agent market.
Andy Martino of SNY.tv reports that rival executives believe the Phillies are in a “strong position” to sign former Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Patrick Corbin.
Yankees, Phillies and Nationals are still in on Corbin, but rivals speculate that Phils are in strong position
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) December 4, 2018
Corbin is reportedly the Yankees’ top priority this offseason, but Martino notes that he may have to take less money if he wants to wear pinstripes. Since he grew up a Yankees fan in upstate New York, that is not out of the question.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today speculates that Corbin will sign a contract worth at least $125 million over six years. While the Yankees still want to add him, they have reportedly been engaging with the other top starting pitchers on the market in case it does not work out.
Patrick Corbin remains the Yankees’ top priority in terms of a starting pitcher, but a source says the team is engaged with Nathan Eovaldi, J.A. Happ and Lance Lynn as potential Plan Bs if Corbin signs elsewhere.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 4, 2018
Corbin, 29, went 11-7 with a 3.15 ERA in 33 starts with Arizona last season. The Phillies are still in the hunt to sign the two biggest names in free agency, but they are not going to wait around for them to make their decisions.
