The Philadelphia Phillies have already made one big move in free agency, and if it’s up to them, it won’t be the last.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Phillies have made free agent third baseman Anthony Rendon their top target in free agency, and are prepared to spend big to get him. Owner John Middleton is said to be willing to surpass the luxury tax threshold to sign Rendon and field a contender in 2020.
The Phillies have also identified Josh Donaldson as a potential backup plan if their pursuit of Rendon falls short.
Rendon is the top prize on the position player market in free agency. He’s still only 29 and hit .319 with 34 home runs last season, ranking among the very best at his position in the sport. Subsequently, he’s in high demand, at least among teams willing to meet his financial demands. That could mean the Phillies have some West Coast competition for the star third baseman, but it sounds like they are determined to avoid being outbid, much like they were last offseason when successfully pursuing Bryce Harper.
