The Philadelphia Phillies could be preparing to make a major move this offseason.
After recording one of the best regular seasons in Major League Baseball behind one of its best offenses, the Phillies were eliminated by the New York Mets in the National League Division Series. The bats went cold and the team was outscored by 11 runs in the four-game series.
While the Phillies still have a significant core of star players on long-term contracts, that exit might push the front office to shuffle things as much as they can ahead of next year. Reflecting on those potential changes for FanSided, MLB insider Robert Murray explained why that could involve signing baseball’s most coveted free agent, Juan Soto.
“If there’s one thing that Phillies owner John Middleton and president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski have in common, it’s that each loves a big splash,” Murray wrote. “Even before the playoff collapse, a big move felt possible. Now, it feels very possible, and Juan Soto could be a prime target. The Soto-to-Phillies connection makes so much sense.”
Soto, who is in the midst of a World Series run with the New York Yankees, is set for a major payday this winter. As the best on-base talent of his generation, a four-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger at just 25 years old, the Phillies might be one of the only teams in baseball that can afford to add him.
“First, the Phillies have an owner who would fund the potential $600 million it would take to sign Soto,” Murray added. “But the key connection could be the Phillies’ hitting coach, Kevin Long, who is highly regarded in baseball circles and served as Soto’s hitting coach in Washington.”
Adding Soto to a batting order that will also include Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and Trea Turner would instantly give the Phillies the most challenging offense for opposing pitchers to navigate. Soto would also represent a major offensive upgrade for the Phillies outfield, which was one of the few weak spots for its roster this year.
If Middleton and Dombrowski are truly looking for a big splash, it’s hard to imagine a more impactful move than signing Soto.
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