The Philadephia Phillies have primarily been linked to star hitters Manny Machado and Bryce Harper as the MLB hot stove season starts.
However, the upstart team now apparently has its eyes on top-end starting pitchers this winter. According to Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports, that list includes aces Patrick Corbin and Dallas Keuchel, among others.
Phillies also are thought to be a player for the big pitchers, Corbin, Keuchel etc.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 20, 2018
Philadelphia started last season strong before flaming out in the end. Ultimately, the young team finished with an 80-82 record after being in the playoff race for a vast majority of the campaign.
Among the issues was starting pitching. Aaron Nola was great with a 17-6 record and 2.37 ERA. Outside of that, only Zach Eflin finished with a winning record among regular Phillies starters.
Philadelphia is going to be big time players in free agency. It’s in this that adding a starting pitcher doesn’t necessarily mean the team will also miss out on the likes of Machado and/or Harper.