Says here ( and many other places ) that the Phillies will sign one of the high profile free agent shortstops on the market this off-season - my opinion ( which I rarely share on free agency matters ) is that the Phillies target is Dodgers shortstop Trea Turner. Turner is a five tool player who would slot into a top of the order spot ( likely second - sorry folks who want Kyle Schwarber moved out of the leadoff spot - that’s not likely to happen ). He’s also a very good defensive player, top five in baseball by most accounts.
Signing Turner will be expensive, the 29 year old projects to receive an annual salary over $30 million with an estimated six year term. However he’s the type of player though that can change games with his baseball savvy, speed, bat and defensive prowess. With one of the new MLB rules next year limiting the pickoff attempts a pitcher can make to a base Turner should easily exceed the 27 stolen bases he recorded this past year and be more in line or over the mid 40’s numbers he posted when he played with the Nationals. He’s also got home run power and is an extra base machine ( in the 4 seasons he’s played over 120 games has averaged 5 triples, 32 doubles and 22 home runs with a batting average of .298 in over 2,400 AB’s ).
Turner would solidify the middle infield and allow Bryson Stott to move over to second base with Edmundo Sosa becoming the primary infield reserve.
Here's a video link on Trea Turner that was sent to teams :
On the pitching side of the equation watch to see if the Padres RHP Nick Martinez opts out of his contract. The 32 year old right hander reportedly seeks a starters role after logging 107 1/3 innings with San Diego this season and posting a 3.47 ERA. The versatile hurler is due to make $6.5 million this coming season and has three years left on a contract with a player opt out option the first two seasons. The Phillies are in a position to offer him a role in the starting rotation and a bit more value on his contract. He’s got quite a background - initially a member of the Texas Rangers organization he then went to Japan and pitched four years there ( 2018 to 2021 ) and for Team USA in the Olympics. Will see 👀
Another Padre of interest would be RHP Robert Suarez ( yes the same fella that Bryce Harper took deep in the 5th game of the NLCS ). Suarez is 32 years old and is a true power arm with an upper nineties fastball and put away changeup. He also pitched four seasons in the Japanese Nippon League before signing with San Diego. Suarez made $6 million in 2022 and likely seeks a multi year deal a bit above that amount. He’s a back end of the pen presence that could fit in well with the Phillies current group.
RHP Seth Lugo is a potential target - the 32 year old brings a five pitch mix with the curve ball being his predominant pitch. Lugo has an estimated market value of $7 million per year with a two year term. He’s a multi inning capable reliever who logged 65 innings for the Mets last season and posted a 3.60 ERA which is in line with his seven year career average of 3.48 in 494 IP. Lugo is a work horse pitcher who’s appeared in 275 major league games, he’s also a strike thrower with the stuff to punch out hitters as well. Would be a big plug to the bullpen if the Phillies were able to entice him to leave the Mets.
RHP Rafael Montero of the Astros had by far his best season as a pro in 2022 posting a 2.37 ERA in 71 games ( 68 1/3 IP ). The 32 year old has an electric arm with a mid to upper 90’s fast ball he couples with a slider and change up. He was part of a dominant Astros bullpen coming over to Houston in a 2021 trade with Seattle. It’s estimated his asking price is in the $7 to $8 million per year range with at least a two year term. Another fella who could plug in with the current group of Phillies relievers adding another dominant type arm.
Other Notes :
Zach Eflin opted out of his contract option and is now a free agent, the club exercised Aaron Nola’s option for 2023 - he’s now presently slated for free agency in 2024.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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