According to ESPN insider Jeff Passan, the Phillies are interested in Cody Bellinger and could also be a landing spot for Japanese RHP Tatsuya Imai.
Imai is a top player from Japan looking to sign with a larger market on the East Coast. Since stating, he’d rather beat the Los Angeles Dodgers than join them; he wants to take them down.
The Yankees, Phillies, and Mets are stated as potential suitors.
4 comments
If Schwarber signs elsewhere Bellinger would bring lefty pop and outfield flexibility. 5 WAR last season with 125 wrc+ and good traditional stats ever since leaving LA. I think he would fit perfectly even if he doesn’t hit as good as he did last year, but he’s only 30, and obviously has plenty of upside based on his past.
I wasn’t hoping for the Phillies to spend on a pitcher this offseason when we have bigger needs, but I’ll make an exception if it’s Imai.
Would love to see the Phillies finally break into the Japanese market.
I love Schwarber, but if he signs elsewhere we should make a full court press for Bellinger. Very similar bat plus he can actually play a corner outfield spot. Allows for flexibility with the DH slot.
Imai and Bellinger > Schwarber and Ranger