Phillies Rumors: Team showing interest in Patrick Sandoval

Keep track of all of the latest offseason trade and free agency rumors pertaining to the Phillies on Phillies Nation.

Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 11:00 a.m ET: Verducci: Phillies showing interest in Patrick Sandoval

Here’s an interesting potential starting pitching target. The Phillies, according to Sports Illustrated’s Tom Verducci, have shown interest in former Angels starter Patrick Sandoval. Other teams are in the mix as well.

The lefty had Tommy John surgery in June and will likely be out until 2026. Verducci wrote that Sandoval is “an intriguing buy-low option as a middle of the rotation lefty with a nasty changeup.”

Any deal for Sandoval would be for at least two years with the expectation that he will be ready to go in 2026. If the Phillies sign Sandoval, it could be a precursor to the team not re-signing Ranger Suárez when he becomes a free agent after the 2025 season. — Destiny Lugardo

Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 3:45 p.m. ET: Nightengale: Phillies among teams to have had contact with agent Joel Wolfe regarding Nolan Arenado trade

Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado is likely to get traded this offseason. He is willing to waive his no-trade clause to go to a contender. John Mozeliak, the Cardinals’ GM, even told reporters that his “intention” is to trade Arenado.

The Cardinals have given Arenado’s agent Joel Wolfe a chance to speak directly with teams to help St. Louis facilitate a trade. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported the Phillies, along with the Red Sox, Padres and Astros, as teams Wolfe has spoken directly with regarding Arenado.

Cardinals beat writer Derrick Goold of the St. Louis-Post Dispatch does not have the Phillies as one of the teams that the Cardinals and Wolfe have spoken with, but he does have an interesting note in his story. Goold wrote that the Astros and Phillies are among teams that are “shopping for a third baseman.”

That somewhat contradicts what Phillies manager Rob Thomson said publicly. He said he recently told Alec Bohm that the Phillies are “not shopping him.” If the Phillies move Bohm, Arenado could be a fit. A 10-time Gold Glove Award winner, Arenado is coming off the worst full offensive season of his career. He has three years and $74 million remaining on his contract. Some of that includes salary relief from his original team, the Rockies, as well as deferred money. — Destiny Lugardo

Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 10:39 a.m. ET: Rosenthal says Phillies’ chances at Garrett Crochet have decreased

With Garrett Crochet exceedingly likely to be moved, the Phillies have long been viewed as a top contender to ultimately land his services — but their odds appear to be decreasing.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that the club’s offer has decreased since the summer, partially because a trade now would net the southpaw for two Octobers rather than the three that a trade then would have secured. Because of it, Rosenthal reports, their chances at a Crochet acquisition “have diminished.”

Bob Nightengale recently reported that the White Sox rejected a package that featured at least Alec Bohm and Justin Crawford. The Phillies’ offer over the summer is unknown, but ESPN reported in September that Philadelphia declined Chicago’s proposal to include Andrew Painter in a deal. It’s likely that the Phillies’ current offer is much closer to the Bohm-and-Crawford package while Chicago seeks something closer to Painter, or perhaps even Painter specifically. It may prove a gap too wide to bridge.

What’s more, two other contenders have emerged in the Crochet sweepstakes: the Mets and Yankees. Rosenthal called the New York squads the “most aggressive suitors as of Monday.”

It sounds that the White Sox’s asking price is high — it’s hard to blame them — and only climbing as more and more teams jump into the fray. Simultaneously, it sounds Philadelphia’s willingness to meet that asking price is falling. Trade talks can turn on a dime, the Phillies still seem to be firmly in the running and Rosenthal’s reporting doesn’t suggest otherwise.

It just suggests momentum is low. — Nathan Ackerman

Monday, Dec. 9 at 2:33 a.m. ET: Nightengale predicts Phillies will trade for Garrett Crochet

Bob Nightengale of USA Today predicted that White Sox starter Garrett Crochet will ultimately land in Philadelphia in an appearance on the “Foul Territory” podcast.

“I still think he goes to the Philadelphia Phillies,” Nightengale said when asked which team will trade for the left-hander by host and former catcher A.J. Pierzynski. “They were the most aggressive at the trade deadline. They like him a lot — love him.”

Nightengale noted that Chicago had hoped to get the Los Angeles Dodgers involved in the Crochet sweepstakes, but the World Series champions filled their need for a starter when they signed Blake Snell in free agency. He also said the White Sox wanted to get the Orioles in the mix, but Baltimore has not been seriously engaged.

While the Phillies may be interested in trading for Crochet, Nightengale reiterated a previous report of his that a package of third baseman Alec Bohm and prospect Justin Crawford alone would not get it done as the White Sox “don’t really want Bohm.” It will likely take a steep return to get a deal done.

“Crochet is gonna bring back the best package of prospects of anybody out there right now,” Nightengale said.

.@BNightengale predicts Garrett Crochet to the @Phillies 👀 pic.twitter.com/PFy6XbFyum

— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) December 9, 2024

Monday, Dec. 9 at 11:31 a.m. ET: Robert Murray: Jeff Hoffman has “strong market”

The Phillies are looking for relief help. They were reportedly in on former Yankees closer Clay Holmes before the New York Mets scooped him up as a starter for $38 million over three years. Philadelphia has interest in re-signing Jeff Hoffman, and his deal could look similar to what Holmes received from the Mets.

Some interested teams like Hoffman as a starter. According to FanSided’s Robert Murray on the latest “The Baseball Insiders” podcast, Hoffman’s market is “strong.” Hoffman is among the players who Murray is keeping an eye on this week at the Winter Meetings in Dallas.

A guy that I’m under the impression has a pretty strong market is Jeff Hoffman. Teams are eying him as both a reliever and a starting pitcher. I’m not surprised whatsoever that he’s getting interest as a starting pitcher because the starting pitching prices right now are just astronomically high. Teams are being creative in trying to find ways to upgrade the rotation. He’s a candidate to do that. I think he’s going to be in a position to land a very nice deal in free agency. He’s one to watch, for sure.

The Phillies, who never really considered moving Hoffman to the rotation over his two seasons in Philadelphia, will probably keep him as a reliever if they do indeed sign him back. But a team that’s looking at Hoffman as a rotation arm could theoretically offer him more money than what the Phillies are looking to pay to have him back in the bullpen.

In a recent interview with ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel, Hoffman said he would welcome the opportunity to start again, but “All things being equal, I want to get the last out.” — Destiny Lugardo

Sunday, Dec. 8: White Sox rejected concept of acquiring Alec Bohm and Justin Crawford in exchange for Garrett Crochet

White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet is continuing to garner plenty of trade interest. Whether Chicago’s front office eventually pulls the trigger on such a deal remains to be seen. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the White Sox are asking for teams’ top prospects in a trade for Crochet.

Also according to Nightengale, Chicago and the Phillies have had “serious talks” regarding the 25-year-old. But the White Sox turned down a concept by the Phillies, who Nightengale says offered Alec Bohm and Justin Crawford for Crochet. Whether it was a two-for-one trade offer, or involved other players heading to the South Side with Bohm and Crawford being the headliners, is unknown.

Nightengale is reporting the Padres “would love [Crochet]” and that the Red Sox are “lurking”. So if the Phillies remain engaged with the White Sox for a potential Crochet deal, there will be plenty of competition, as expected.

Per Nightengale, “the White Sox will trade [Crochet] to the team that gives them the most prized prospects.” — Bailey Digh

Thursday, Dec. 5: Cardinals likely to keep closer Ryan Helsley

One of the better potential closer targets for the Phillies is reportedly likely to stay with the St. Louis Cardinals. According to a report from Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, rival teams believe the Cardinals are likely to hold on to star closer Ryan Helsley, who has been floated around as a trade candidate this offseason. GM John Mozeliak told Rosenthal that the plan is to have Helsley remain with the club.

Helsley, 30, is coming off a fantastic year, posting a 2.04 ERA with a league-leading 49 saves. He is set to become a free agent after the 2025 season. If the retooling Cardinals are out of playoff contention early, expect Helsely to be one of the top names available at the July trade deadline. For right now, the Phillies will have to look elsewhere if they want to acquire another top reliever on the trade market. — Destiny Lugardo

Thursday, Dec. 5: Phillies “have checked in” on Clay Holmes, Tommy Kahnle

The Phillies hope to acquire at least one high leverage relief pitcher this offseason. According to a report from Matt Gelb of The Athletic, they “have checked in” on two former New York Yankees relievers: Clay Holmes and Tommy Kahnle.

Holmes, like Jeff Hoffman, is also reportedly receiving interest as a starting pitcher. This trend in the market could complicate the Phillies’ pursuit of higher end relievers. Holmes, who lost his job as the Yankees closer after struggling during the summer, posted a 2.69 ERA over four seasons with New York.

Kahnle, 35, has dealt with shoulder issues over the last couple years, but has put up good numbers when he has been healthy. He has a 2.44 ERA over the last three seasons with the Dodgers and Yankees. His teammate Gerrit Cole once called him a “psychopath.” He apparently shaves his whole body when he gives up a run. If the Phillies want another weirdo, he’s their guy. — Destiny Lugardo

Wednesday, Dec. 4: Phillies have had trade talks with Mariners involving Alec Bohm

As the Winter Meetings inch closer, Alec Bohm’s name continues to be brought up in trade conversations. He may be the most valuable player the Phillies are willing to trade this offseason, as he’s coming off an All-Star campaign and has two years left of club control. The Phillies are setting a high price for Bohm as a result, according to Adam Jude of The Seattle Times.

Jude is reporting the Mariners and Phillies have had trade discussions regarding the 2024 All-Star. In the initial conversations regarding a trade of Bohm, the Phillies asked for one of Logan Gilbert or George Kirby, per Jude. The pair of right-handers are two of the best young pitchers in baseball.

Gilbert is coming off a season in which he started 33 games, logged 208 2/3 innings and posted a 3.23 ERA. Gilbert, 28, doesn’t become a free agent until after the 2027 season. Kirby finished 2024 with 33 starts, too. He pitched to the tune of a 3.53 ERA across 191 innings. Kirby is 26 and isn’t scheduled to hit free agency until after the 2028 season.

The Mariners’ strength is their starting rotation. Looking to add offense this winter, they may have to give up some of their pitching depth in a trade to add a much needed bat to their lineup. But, as Jude points out, Seattle’s president of baseball operations, Jerry Dipoto, is on the record saying he’d like to keep his club’s entire starting rotation intact.

A trade is not imminent between the two clubs. It may not happen at all if Bohm’s price tag remains high. Per Jude, “At this stage of the offseason, the Phillies’ high asking price would seem to take Bohm off the Mariners’ radar — at least for now.” — Bailey Digh

Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 7:16 a.m. ET: Cubs, Reds emerge in Garrett Crochet market, per Jon Morosi

If the Phillies want Garrett Crochet this winter, it appears they’ll have some competition as the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds have emerged as “viable candidates” in the trade market for the White Sox All-Star, according to MLB Network‘s Jon Morosi.

Philadelphia has been a rumored potential landing spot for Crochet this offseason, but it’s no surprise that other teams would be interested in the left-hander after his breakout 2024 showing. In addition to the Cubs and Reds being named in the Crochet discussion by Morosi, Rob Bradford of Audacy and WEEI in Boston reported Wednesday that the Red Sox are “taking route of exploring trade for a starting pitcher.” Perhaps Boston could get involved in trying to acquire Crochet as well.

Crochet is an elite talent with a special repertoire for a starter. Despite his injury concerns, he’ll likely command a big return from any potential club that trades for him. — Ty Daubert

Wednesday, Nov. 27: Phillies have talked to Scott Boras about Juan Soto, per Todd Zolecki

The last 48 hours have been filled with various reports on where the Juan Soto sweepstakes currently stand. On the most recent episode of “The Phillies Show,” Todd Zolecki of MLB.com offered some insight on the Phillies’ involvement in the whole thing.

“There’s a report from just a few days ago that the Phillies have not met with Juan Soto yet,” Zolecki said. “… But also that they have not even communicated at all with Scott Boras or anybody associated with Scott Boras. I’ve been told that — no surprise — they’ve communicated with Scott Boras about Juan Soto and others.”

Zolecki added: “They have not met with [Soto]. They expect to meet with him at some point. I don’t know when that will be.”

Zolecki’s comments come after USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported on Monday the Phillies had not talked to Boras about Soto at all.

Another report regarding the Soto sweepstakes has listed clubs that have already made offers to Soto. On Tuesday, Randy Miller of NJ.com reported that five teams have done so. The Phillies are not one of the five. The Athletic’s Brandon Kuty added context to Miller’s report, noting offers for the 26-year-old will go through multiple rounds and the first round of offers is “preliminary.”

Kuty added the following rounds of offers could start to take place next week, potentially putting Soto’s signing time frame around “Winter Meetings-ish.” The Winter Meetings will take place from Dec. 9 to Dec. 12. — Bailey Digh

Tuesday, Nov. 26: Phillies ‘less inclined’ to trade Brandon Marsh, per Matt Gelb

You’ve heard it a million times. The Phillies are looking to shake things up. That could mean trading good major league players that are not signed to long-term contracts. Brandon Marsh has come up in trade rumors this offseason, but according to Matt Gelb on the “Phillies Therapy” podcast, the Phillies are less inclined to move off of Marsh for a few reasons:

The one thing I did hear recently — and I think this is pretty good information — is that they are less inclined to move Marsh. Marsh is a guy that’s not as available, I guess I would say, as some of the other guys. Not that they wouldn’t trade him if the right offer came around. That stands for everybody. I think he’s less among that group of guys that they are more active in trying to sell. … I think it’s more about the center field situation than anything. Obviously, there are no free agent center fielders and trading for a center fielder is probably, I don’t want to say impossible, but unwise given the value or the price that may be put on other center fielders. Their inclination to keep Marsh is more about the other center field options than anything. More than likely, barring a massive surprise, you’re probably looking at a Marsh/Rojas combo in center field with an upgrade in left, hypothetically.

Finding a center fielder in free agency is tough. Most early-career center fielders that reach the open market are probably more suited for a corner spot in the long run. The ones that do reach the market as true center fielders are typically glove-first players that are only marginally better than someone like Johan Rojas at the plate. Good defensive center fielders that can hit — think Mike Trout before the injuries — are superstars that are nearly impossible to acquire in trades. With that in mind, it’s easy to see why the Phillies prefer to hold on to Marsh.

Of the four players most frequently mentioned in trade talks, he’s probably ahead of both Alec Bohm and Nick Castellanos and behind only Ranger Suarez in terms of overall trade value. If the Phillies were to move Marsh, they better get a lot back. — Destiny Lugardo

Monday, Nov. 25 at 5:31 a.m. ET: Nightengale: Phillies, White Sox discuss Alec Bohm in Garrett Crochet trade talks

Could the Phillies trade Alec Bohm in a deal for White Sox starter Garrett Crochet? The two sides have discussed the All-Star third baseman in talks for the left-handed flamethrower, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

Nightengale reported that Philadelphia and Chicago have engaged about Bohm and Justin Crawford, a top prospect and former first-round pick, as part of “extensive trade talks” involving Crochet. That doesn’t mean a package of Bohm and Crawford will get a deal done, however.

Bohm’s dip in production late in the season is a concern for the White Sox, Nightengale noted, as the right-handed hitter ended the year with a poor second half and postseason. There’s a reason the Phillies have reportedly been exploring the idea of trading Bohm after all.

Nightengale also reported that Chicago “will definitely trade” Crochet this offseason following an All-Star 2024 campaign from the breakout lefty. Time will only tell if the Phillies will ultimately be a match. — Ty Daubert

Friday, Nov. 22 at 4:58 p.m. ET: Nick Castellanos available in trade talks, per The Athletic’s Matt Gelb

The Phillies are expected to shake things up this offseason, and Nick Castellanos is among the candidates to be involved: The Athletic‘s Matt Gelb reported on Friday that the team has made Castellanos available in trade talks. Gelb, though, noted that a trade would be unlikely lest the Phillies contribute significantly to the $40 million remaining across the final two years of his contract.

It’s not the first report that the club could move Castellanos, with Bob Nightengale reporting as much in November, but the Gelb report is a little more concrete. He also notes that the Phillies have put feelers out for interest in Alec Bohm and Ranger Suárez.

For all the well-documented struggles of the Phillies’ offense in the NLDS, Castellanos was one of the exceptions. He went 7-for-17 in October after being one of the Phillies’ most — and only — consistent hitters in the second half. It’s why it would make a Castellanos trade somewhat surprising. But the Phillies would be foolish not to at least listen on him. It appears they’re doing just that. — Nathan Ackerman

Thursday, Nov. 21 at 2:39 p.m. ET: Olney to 94 WIP: ‘I have no doubt’ Phillies are ‘going to get a star’

ESPN’s Buster Olney told SportsRadio94 WIP he’d bet the family farm that the Phillies are “going to get a star,” and that one rival general manager described the team as operating with a “World Series tilt.”

One candidate to be that star is Garrett Crochet, whose trade market Olney said the Phillies are “right in the middle of.” It’s far from the first time the club has been linked to the White Sox ace.

Another is Alex Bregman. A rival GM told Olney he could see the Phillies making a “lightning strike” on the veteran third baseman. That would seem to follow from a hypothetical Alec Bohm trade.

And then there’s Juan Soto, whose past relationship with Bryce Harper, as well as John Middleton’s with Scott Boras, Olney noted could get the Phillies into the mix. He did, however, seem skeptical the team would outbid those like the Mets, Yankees or Blue Jays.

Dave Dombrowski said after the Phillies’ NLDS exit he doesn’t believe the Phillies need another star. Time will tell whether that was anything more than lip service. — Nathan Ackerman

Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 12:13 p.m. ET: Kansas City has “checked in on” Alec Bohm, per MLB.com‘s Anne Rogers

The Kansas City Royals have considered Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm in their search for an offensive piece this offseason, according to MLB.com‘s Anne Rogers.

Kansas City has “checked in on” Bohm and Angels outfielder Taylor Ward, per Rogers, in addition to the club’s recent discussions on a potential trade for Cincinnati’s Jonathan India in exchange for pitcher Brady Singer that was first reported by C. Trent Rosecrans and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. No deal is close to happening at this point.

The Royals, an 86-win playoff team led by star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and a strong starting pitching staff, could use some improvement in their lineup. Third baseman Maikel Garcia had just a .614 OPS with seven home runs in 2024; Bohm, despite his second-half struggles and disappointing postseason, would offer an improvement. — Ty Daubert

Monday, Nov. 18 at 6:20 p.m. ET: Feinsand: Phillies could be “mystery team” meeting with Juan Soto

According to multiple reports, the Yankees, Mets, Blue Jays and Red Sox have all met with free agent outfielder Juan Soto and his agent Scott Boras in Southern California. MLB insider Mark Feinsand reported that the Dodgers are scheduled to meet with the slugger as early as Tuesday.

Feinsand also added that Soto “had spoken with at least one other team besides those that have been reported.” Could the Phillies be the “mystery team?” It’s possible, according to Feinsand.

According to sources, other teams that could meet with Soto include the Giants, Phillies and Rays. Tampa Bay would appear to be a long shot, particularly now that the club will be playing home games in 2025 at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fla., following the damage to the Tropicana Field roof sustained last month during Hurricane Milton.

The Phillies meeting with Soto makes sense. John Middleton said during a recent event at the University of Pennsylvania that he believes Soto prefers to stay in New York, but he doesn’t mind being a “stalking horse.” — Destiny Lugardo

Thursday, Nov. 14: Olney: Rival executives believe Phillies will trade Alec Bohm

ESPN’s Buster Olney discussed the Alec Bohm trade market on the latest episode of the “Baseball Tonight” podcast.

What I’m hearing from other teams is yeah, he’s gonna be traded. Like he’s out there a bunch. And they say, you know, the Phillies have been around long enough that they can squash that if they wanted to. They can go out and whisper to reporters that Bohm’s not really available. They’re not doing that. So the assumption with other teams is that Bohm is going to be traded.

When Nick Castellanos’ name was out there as a possible trade candidate last season, Olney was the insider who reported via a Phillies source that the team wasn’t interesting in moving him. Back in 2020 before Dave Dombrowski was hired as president of baseball operations, Olney reported that the Phillies were “facing a financial crunch” and open to trade offers for Zack Wheeler. John Middleton and Andy MacPhail both responded to the report, saying it was “categorically untrue.”

Olney is right: The Phillies could kill any trade rumor they don’t like that pertains to one of their players on the major league roster. The fact that the noise around Bohm as a trade candidate continues to get louder indicates that Philadelphia has serious interest in moving the All-Star third baseman. — Destiny Lugardo

Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 9:51 p.m. ET : Olney: Rival evaluator predicts Phillies sign Alex Bregman

ESPN’s Buster Olney put out an interesting tweet on Tuesday night:

The most interesting prediction heard from a rival evaluator: The Phillies land Alex Bregman. His swing translates in that park, strong defense, lots of postseason scar tissue.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) November 13, 2024

Bregman could be a target if the Phillies trade Alec Bohm this offseason. The Phillies are looking to balance out their lineup and Bregman has a track record of being a patient hitter, though his walk rate declined dramatically from 12.7% in 2023 to 6.9% in 2024. He did receive a qualifying offer, so signing Bregman would cost the Phillies their second and fifth-highest selections in the 2026 MLB Draft along with one million in international bonus pool money.

The longtime Astros third baseman did win his first Gold Glove Award in 2024 and put up a third straight four-WAR season, according to FanGraphs. The left field wall at Citizens Bank Park isn’t quite as cozy as the Crawford Boxes, but the right-handed hitter’s swing should play well at Citizens Bank Park. Bregman would have been a perfect fit in the very early years of the Bank before the team moved the left field wall back five feet.

Houston are the favorites to re-sign him. Bregman to the Phillies seems unlikely, but it’s not a terrible idea. — Destiny Lugardo

Tuesday, Nov. 5: ESPN insiders discuss Phillies, Garrett Crochet

The Phillies, Dodgers and Braves all aggressively pursued White Sox ace Garrett Crochet at the trade deadline. According to a September story from ESPN’s Jesse Rogers and Buster Olney, “the Phillies turned down the White Sox’s request for top pitching prospect Andrew Painter as part of the package.” Crochet’s request to sign an extension in order to pitch in October also made things more complicated.

Could the Phillies renew their interest in Crochet this offseason? According to Jeff Passan, he could be on the move. Here’s what Olney and Passan had to say on the latest “Baseball Tonight” podcast.

Olney: I think he’s going to be the most talked about guy on the trade market. I think it’s a slam dunk that he’s going to be traded. Two teams that I’m watching in this are the Mets and the Red Sox. Tell me what you know about Garrett Crochet?

Passan: Will he move? Probably. Does he have to move? No, not necessarily. I think that Chris Getz, if he wanted to, the White Sox general manager, could theoretically wait until July. At which point, there are going to be no self-imposed restrictions on Garrett Crochet this year. But I think teams that are acquiring or trying to acquire Crochet, they know that he will sign an extension. And so the fact that that extension is potentially on the table, I think allows the White Sox to ask for even more than they would for a guy who showed himself to be a frontline starting pitcher last year. The only question at this point is can he repeat it? Somebody who has had elbow surgery and somebody who up until last year was a reliever, but he’s got the ability to go out and start games at the front of the rotation in the postseason. … The Mets could use him. The Red Sox could use him. The Orioles could use him. Everyone can use Garrett Crochet. I wonder about a team like the Phillies too.

Olney: As you know, the Phillies were one of the three finalists at the trade deadline.

Passan: Yup. Would the Phillies be willing, after what they saw from him in the Arizona Fall League, to trade Andrew Painter? I think if Andrew Painter is in the mix, then Garrett Crochet could be a Phillie. We have seen situations in the past where Dave Dombrowski has not had issue trading top prospects to go and get elite players.

Painter, who has a 2.08 ERA in five starts in the AFL, is the Phillies’ top prospect. Dombrowski told reporters at the GM meetings that the team is open to adding a fifth starter to eat innings with Painter expected to be on some sort of a limit in 2025. It’s hard to envision the Phillies including Painter in any type of trade this offseason, but if the Phillies really do covet Crochet, they might have to pay an uncomfortable price. — Destiny Lugardo

Monday, Nov. 4 at 3:32 p.m. ET: Nightengale: Phillies listening on Nick Castellanos, Alec Bohm and Brandon Marsh

USA Today baseball columnist Bob Nightengale wrote an article on MLB storylines to follow ahead of the GM Meetings in San Antonio. One of those is the Phillies and their quest to shake the lineup up.

Here’s what Nightengale had to say about the Phillies’ plans.

The Phillies can’t believe they don’t have a ring in the Bryce Harper era, and after knocking on the door the past few years, they are willing to make a huge move to change their fate. Dave Dombrowski, president of baseball operations, has not internally discussed pursuing Soto with his staff but is painfully aware they need to shake up their lineup. Simply, scouts say, they’re just too easy to pitch to come crunchtime with their big swingers and contact-challenged hitters. If someone needs a slugger like Nick Castellanos, or outfield help in Brandon Marsh, or third baseman Alec Bohm, the Phillies are listening.

This is the third straight offseason in which Castellanos has been involved in some sort of trade rumor. A source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand in November 2023 around the GM meetings that the Phillies were open to the idea of trading Castellanos. A Phillies source later told ESPN’s Buster Olney that the team was not interested in moving Castellanos.

There is a huge difference between listening on offers for players and actively trying to move them. This is not to suggest that the Phillies are looking to get rid Castellanos, Marsh or Bohm. However, in an offseason where the Phillies could look to move players around to get a more balanced lineup, it makes sense to gauge early trade interest from other clubs. — Destiny Lugardo

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