The Philadelphia Phillies made one of the biggest splashes on the free agent market last year by adding Bryce Harper. It looks like they may be poised to do something similar this year.
According to Matt Breen of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Phillies plan to focus on upgrading their rotation this offseason and have made free agent pitcher Gerrit Cole their top target. The Phillies may also look at other free agent starters if they have to, and could add multiple arms, though it’s not clear if they would both be top-tier arms.
The Phillies have made improving their starting pitching the top priority of the offseason. It was a problem spot for them last season, as Phillies starters posted a 4.64 ERA. Only Aaron Nola had an ERA under 4 among Philadelphia starters.
Cole is coming off a Cy Young-caliber season that saw him post a 2.50 ERA. He should be in very high demand, though there’s been some indication that Philadelphia might not fit with one of his preferences for his free agent destination.
