The Philadelphia Phillies could be looking for upgrades in the outfield this off-season, and there will be plenty of options in free agency.
Surely, every team with an affinity to spend will be in on Juan Soto, including the Phillies. However, The New York Post's Jon Heyman thinks Cody Bellinger would be a better option than the 25-year-old superstar.
"The Phillies are a serious team that could make sense (for Soto)," wrote Heyman. "But an even better fit for them might be center fielder Cody Bellinger if he opts out (the guess now is he may not since he has $52.5M to go through 2026, plus another key opt out.)"
Bellinger signed a three-year, $80 million deal with the Cubs last offseason. However, his deal includes opt-out options. The former National League MVP may stick around in Chicago and earn the rest of his deal. However, it is not out of the question that he will test free agency.
Bellinger will not be cheap for the Phillies, but Soto would come with a massive price tag.
Spotrac projects Soto to earn a 14-year, $517 million deal this winter. The Phillies are not a team to shy away from large contracts for superstars, but they already have a large payroll.
The Phillies already are one of the best teams in baseball but if they could land someone like Bellinger this winter, it would take them to an even higher level.
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