Philadelphia Phillies Face Key Decisions with Impending Free Agency
Four key players on the Philadelphia Phillies roster will be entering free agency this offseason – Aaron Nola, Rhys Hoskins, Craig Kimbrel, and Michael Lorenzen. While all four players will be eligible to sign with any team after the World Series, the situations of Nola and Hoskins are particularly complex.
Aaron Nola has been a consistent force for the Phillies, going six straight seasons without missing a start. He had a standout season in 2018, recording a 2.37 ERA and an impressive 17-6 record. However, Nola has also had his share of inconsistency, with a 4.63 ERA in 2021 and a 4.46 ERA in 2023. Despite this, his combination of talent, durability, and playoff experience makes him an attractive option for many teams.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Atlanta Braves are just a few of the teams that could potentially pursue Nola this offseason. The Phillies were unable to re-sign him last spring, and negotiations might once again prove challenging. If a deal cannot be reached, the Phillies will need to focus on finding a top-of-the-rotation replacement for Nola.
President of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, expressed the team’s desire to keep Nola, but acknowledged the possibility of losing him in free agency. Dombrowski emphasized the importance of moving forward and finding other ways to strengthen the team if Nola departs.
The Phillies also face a complex situation with Rhys Hoskins. With Bryce Harper solidified in right field, first base has become a potential obstacle for Hoskins. If Harper remains at first base, it’s unlikely that there will be a place for Hoskins on the team. This decision ultimately hinges on what Harper’s preferences are for his position.
Dombrowski stated that the defensive aspect of the team is essential and must be considered in the decision-making process. The addition of Kyle Schwarber as a designated hitter this season improved the Phillies’ outfield defense. If the team re-signs Hoskins, this could potentially mean a return to the outfield for Schwarber or a part-time role for Hoskins, both of which present logistical challenges.
The Phillies are comfortable with the rest of their rotation, including Zack Wheeler, Ranger Suarez, Cristopher Sanchez, and Taijuan Walker. Wheeler’s impending free agency after the 2024 season underscores the team’s desire to retain him long-term. The organization will not rely on prospects Mick Abel or Griff McGarry to be in the starting rotation for the upcoming season.
Overall, the Phillies face critical decisions regarding their free agents this offseason. While Nola’s situation is more straightforward in terms of the team’s need for starting pitching, the future of Hoskins is more uncertain due to the team’s defensive considerations and Bryce Harper’s role. The Phillies will need to carefully evaluate their options and make strategic moves to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season.