Phillies Seen As 'Sleeper' For Two Top Remaining Free Agents
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One baseball insider writes that the Philadelphia Phillies may have one last big move in them this offseason.
In his Sunday notes column, USA Today insider Bob Nightengale wrote that the Phillies could be a “sleeper” for two notable free agents that would certainly shake up the roster and, frankly, baseball.
The first is outfielder Cody Bellinger.
Bellinger is, to most, the highest-ranked bat left on the free-agent market and the Scott Boras represented player has found getting a new deal difficult. There is a general sense among insiders that Bellinger will likely re-sign with the Chicago Cubs, whom he played for last season and was named NL Comeback Player of the Year.
But, the longer Bellinger goes without a deal the more opportunities teams like the Phillies might have to swoop in. Adding Bellinger would cost significant money, of course. But it would add a left-handed bat to the outfield and give Philadelphia another Gold Glove-caliber outfielder.
It wouldn’t necessarily cause a logjam either. With Bryce Harper moving to first base, the Phillies’ likely outfield right now includes Brandon Marsh, Cristian Pache, Johan Rojas and Nick Castellanos,
The second is pitcher Jordan Montgomery, who was last with the Texas Rangers as they won the World Series in 2023.
The left-hander is also a Boras client and he’s been waiting for a deal as well. The Rangers are a likely landing spot for him, but they are still waiting for closure on their local TV deal for 2024, which may factor into their spending.
The Phillies have already added starting pitching after retaining Aaron Nola on a seven-year, $172 million deal. The Phillies have a stocked rotation, but adding Montgomery would give them a solid left-hander and some insurance in case the Phillies are unable to retain Zack Wheeler after this season.
Nightengale did add one note to the idea that either would land in Philly:
“Yet, unless their price-tags drop, the Phillies plan to remain patient.”
Pitchers and catchers report to Clearwater next week.
