Phillies “in strong position” in Corbin sweepstakes, won’t “be out-bid”

Even after trading Carlos Santana and J.P. Crawford for shortstop Jean Segura, the Philadelphia Phillies aren’t content with lying pat.

Per Andy Martino of SNY, the Nationals, Phillies, and Yankees are all vying for free agent starter Patrick Corbin, with rivals viewing the Phillies as being in a “strong position” to ultimately sign the two-time All-Star.

USA Today‘s Bob Nightengale also reported that the Phillies have told Corbin they will not be “out-bid” by any other team interested in his services, a bold declaration that signals the Phillies are living up to the aggressive label they’ve been carrying the past month. Nightengale said other teams eyeing Corbin are also aware of the bidding war they could potentially get into with Philadelphia.

Nightengale also tweeted that Corbin is expected to receive a contract of at least six years and $125 million. That number could go up depending on the bidding that occurs. Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia tweeted that the Phillies have made an offer to Corbin.

Fans may not have to wait much longer for news of Corbin’s signing, either, as Fancred’s Jon Heyman reported that Corbin’s decision is “expected to come soon.” Whether or not it will occur before next week’s MLB Winter Meetings remains to be seen.

The Phillies have had their eyes on Corbin since the start of the offseason. There’s no doubt they are serious contenders for the 28-year-old, as Corbin recently visited the Phillies and Citizens Bank Park just last week.

However, this is the first report that seems to signal Philadelphia may be in front of the listed teams in regards to the chances of signing the two-time All-Star, as well as news that they aren’t afraid to outspend any other potential suitor. The Phillies trade to acquire Segura, a two-time All-Star himself, certainly couldn’t have hurt their chances of enticing Corbin to come and play in Philadelphia.

Corbin had a spectacular season in 2018, going 11-7 for the Arizona Diamondbacks, with a 3.15 ERA and a bWAR of 4.6, as well as having  246 strikeouts. For his efforts, Corbin finished fifth in the National League Cy Young Award voting. Corbin would provide the Phillies with another ace that would slide in right behind Aaron Nola, as well as giving the rotation a much-needed left-handed pitcher.

The expected contract falls in line with the contract that MLB Trade Rumors proposed he might Corbin might receive this offseason in the Top 50 Free Agents list, which was a six-year, $129 million deal. The Phillies telling Corbin they won’t be out-bid isn’t surprising, especially after owner John Middleton’s remarks to Nightengale in which he said they expect to be a “little stupid” about how they spend their money. Going by those now well-recited comments, fans could expect the Phillies could keep pursuing Corbin as well as free agents like Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, in addition to possibly more players.

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