PN Roundtable: Bold predictions for Phillies offseason

Phillies Nation writers share their one bold prediction for the 2022-23 offseason.

Tim Kelly — Editorial Director

Prediction: Phillies reach a long-term deal with Ranger Suárez

Over the past two years, Suárez has demonstrated that he’s unflappable, regardless of what role he’s put into. He’s also been one of the best fielders among all pitchers in the league. Suárez is entering his first year of arbitration eligibility, and the Phillies would be wise to attempt to buy out all three of his arbitration years and an addition year or two of free agency, as they did with Aaron Nola.

Destiny Lugardo — Deputy Editorial Director

Prediction: Phillies sign Jacob deGrom

The Phillies want to win the World Series next year. Everything is on the table. That’s why there is a world where the Phillies flex their financial muscle and pay up for Jacob deGrom. 

It’s kind of insane to think that the best pitcher in the sport can be had for around $150 million. If deGrom was healthy, maybe he’s looking at a $300 million deal, but since durability is a huge question mark, maybe the Phillies should look into signing deGrom to a similar deal that the Minnesota Twins signed Carlos Correa to last season with opt outs after each season. deGrom, Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola and Ranger Suárez plus the Phillies’ top pitching prospects would be an all-time rotation.

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Ty Daubert — Staff Writer

Prediction: Phillies ink the second $300 million contract in franchise history

Bryce Harper and the Phillies made history in 2019 when the two agreed to a $13-year, $330 million contract — the biggest in major-league history at the time and the largest in history of the club.

Although it’ll be a longshot for any free agent outside of Aaron Judge to match that sticker price this offseason, the potential for another $300 million deal is there for Philadelphia.

There’s a hole on the roster for a star shortstop, and a handful of players who fit the bill are available. Two in particular could receive deals that push the $300 million threshold in Correa and Trea Turner. And if the Phillies want to take another step forward after this year’s run to the World Series, spending the money for another star-level contributor would certainly help.

Nathan Ackerman — Staff Writer

Prediction: Phillies trade Alec Bohm

Objectively, I don’t think the Phillies should or even actually will trade Alec Bohm — but bold predictions are supposed to be unlikely, so let’s go with it.

In my estimation, the Phillies are likeliest to sign a bat-first shortstop in Turner or Xander Bogaerts, and Rhys Hoskins isn’t going anywhere. That means shortstop, second base (Bryson Stott) and first base are set.

Now over to third. Jean Segura is still available, and he’s stated he “would love” to finish his career in Philly. And, interestingly, at his end-of-season press conference last Wednesday, Dave Dombrowski seemed to go out of his way multiple times to justify Edmundo Sosa as a viable everyday starter.

Bohm is coming off a promising 2022, remains under team control through 2026 and is still only 26. He has trade value. But though he’s improved at third, he’ll never be a plus defender. Bold prediction: The Phillies swap him for a mid-rotation starter or late-game reliever, upgrading the infield defense with a few glove-oriented replacements available, and giving the left side a defensive stalwart that Turner and Bogaerts don’t represent.

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