Jason Burgos
The Philadelphia Phillies are not expected to re-sign veteran starter Aaron Nola, but they reportedly may have a notable replacement in mind that they will target in MLB free agency.
While the Phillies did not achieve their ultimate goal in 2023, they still had an impressive showing in a season that included bouncing the division-champion Atlanta Braves from the MLB playoffs for a second straight year. Yet, after being so close to winning their first championship since 2008 over the last two seasons, almost isn’t good enough.
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Last winter, Philadelphia threw their weight around in the free agent market and made one of the biggest splashes when they signed Trea Turner to a massive $300 million contract. That addition worked out for the team this past season, just like signing Bryce Harper in 2019 was a decision that changed the franchise’s trajectory ever since.
With free agency kicking off this week, the organization will again look around the market to see if there are impact players they can add to improve the roster, however, starting pitching will be a top priority. And that just isn’t from desire, but need because Aaron Nola is set to hit the free agent market this month and is reportedly looking to cash in big time.
Blake Snell to be top Philadelphia Phillies target in free agency
The Philadelphia Phillies could certainly do all they can to retain the player they drafted in 2014, however, all indications seem to indicate that is unlikely. And it is something USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale wrote about in a new column. However, he also reported on the player that executives around the league believe the team will target to replace Nola.
“[Owner John Middleton] wouldn’t mind bringing back starter Aaron Nola, but they were four years and about $100 million apart in their negotiations last winter, and it’s highly unlikely the gap will completely close,” Nightengale wrote. “GMs believe that the Phillies will let Nola walk, and will turn their attention to Blake Snell, who’s about to win his second Cy Young award.”
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San Diego Padres ace Blake Snell had one of the best seasons of his eight-year career in 2023, winning 12 games and posting a 2.25 ERA and 1.189 WHIP this season.
