The first full blown in person winter meetings gathering since 2019 is set to take place beginning this coming weekend in sunny San Diego, California. The 2020 meetings were virtual due to Covid concerns and the 2021 meetings were scaled back due the MLB lockout of the players while a new CBA was being negotiated. This year there’s a full MLB presence, PBEO job fair and trade show in a back to normal type atmosphere.
The Phillies have been busy laying the groundwork for potential roster additions - internal meetings, multiple zoom calls with agents and players of interest ( more of the get to know you variety and establishing wants and expectations ) in anticipation of bringing the off-season plan to fruition.
The winter meetings allow for face to face discussions, the next step variety in many cases. It’s also a great platform for trades to be transacted - in my opinion the trade market for the Phillies is minuscule - they aren’t likely to deal from the core major league roster and if deals are consummated the “give” will be from the minor league contingent and/or support roles of the 40 man roster.
The willingness and ability to spend on free agency is the Phillies strength going into the meetings - shortstop is at the top of the list and in my humble opinion Trea Turner has been the target for a very long while. While there will be multiple non-roster spring training invitations offered to veteran position players looking to earn a spot and willing to work at the triple A level if they can’t I don’t expect any other major league position player acquisitions other than a starting shortstop. Yes … Bryce Harper will miss a good chunk of the season but there are very viable internal options to fill the role until he’s able to return which I also believe will be sooner than expected. Trust the younger fellas developed internally like I do is what I’m saying.
The remaining parts to the opening day 2023 puzzle to be added will be pitching. A starter is on the docket and adding depth, power and strength to the bullpen. From my view keep an eye on free agents like Chris Basset, Jameson Taillon, Noah Syndergaard, Taijuan Walker, Ross Stripling and Nathan Eovaldi as starting rotation options. On the bullpen side of the equation Japanese fireballer Shintaro Fujinamo along with Carlos Estevez, Seth Lugo, Taylor Rogers, Craig Kimbrel and even perhaps Aroldis Chapman are names to watch.
Minor league free agent pitchers who have upside but need some coaching to bring their talents forward are also on the docket - keep in mind names like Angel Perdomo, Joel Peguero, Manuel Alvarez and Michel Otanez.
At any rate it should be an interesting few days capped with the Rule 5 draft on the final day of the meetings - 12/7. Regarding the draft the Phillies have chosen to expose some intriguing players but I don’t believe they will lose any in the draft - will see.
Hot Stove is heating up - just in time for off-season shopping 🤓 - Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
