Do Phillies Still Have One More Big Move in Works?
Spring Training is underway, but several star players still remain unsigned. It’s not too late for teams like the Philadelphia Phillies to make a splash and beef up their roster with one more big signing.
After missing out on Yoshinobu Yamamoto earlier this offseason, the Phillies could still use another starting pitcher.
One potential fit is Texas Rangers World Series hero Jordan Montgomery, who is surprisingly still available after helping the Rangers win it all last year.
Philadelphia has been linked to Montgomery recently but doesn’t seem to be making much progress toward signing the veteran left-hander, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman.
“At this moment, I am not hearing anything concrete on Montgomery and the Phillies,” Heyman said. “Some people out there…think the Phillies are close to tapped out.”
Philadelphia has spent big the last few offseasons, handing out huge contracts to Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Zack Wheeler, J.T. Realmuto, Kyle Schwarber and others.
Earlier this winter, the Phillies locked up Aaron Nola for seven years and $172 million, and they may try to extend Wheeler before Opening Day as well.
That said, owner John Middleton and president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski are two of the most aggressive executives in the game. After falling just short of a championship the last two years, they may be willing to go all-in and pony up for one more free agent.
They were able to land All-Star utilityman Whit Merrifield, but that signing certainly doesn’t put them over the top like signing someone like Montgomery would.
“I’m never gonna count the Phillies out of anything…and let’s not be shocked if they do a big move,” Heyman said. “We’re not gonna rule anything out.”
Whether that actually happens is to be seen.