Philadelphia Phillies players (Image source: Getty images) As the spring training season is approaching, MLB teams are drawing their most compatible pick for the season. However, the Philadelphia Phillies might not be finished putting together their roster before spring training. Operating in a highly competitive NL East, the club has already made some notable moves with the re-signing of Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto, albeit departing Ranger Suarez to the Boston Red Sox, creating an obvious void in the pitching staff. According to MLB insider Mark Feinsand, Philadelphia could still be looking at adding at least two players (one arm and one bat), as it looks to bolster its postseason credentials ahead of the new season.
Phillies eye versatile pitchers to bolster pitching depth
While Feinsand did not put a specific name to Philadelphia’s pressing need for a pitcher, he did point to the type of profile the club could target. Feinsand wrote, “While the plan is for top prospect Andrew Painter to ultimately fill (Suarez’s) spot, Philadelphia could look to add starting pitching depth, possibly with a swing-man type who could move to the bullpen when Painter is ready.” Another pitcher that fits the description is Toronto Blue Jays veteran Chris Bassitt, who also has shifted between rotation and relief roles at various stages of his career. With Suarez no longer in the fold, the Phillies are considering focusing on durability and flexibility as they head for a long summer in a division that also includes perennial contenders, Atlanta and New York. The willingness of the front office to continue searching the market is an indication of Philadelphia’s sense that marginal upgrades now can make a major difference come October.
Right-handed bat remains in focus
Beyond pitching, Feinsand suggested that the Phillies may need to use a right-handed hitting outfielder, too, to balance their lineup. Two names have come up: Miguel Andujar and Randal Grichuk. Andujar is considered the better offensive player at this stage and could demand a deal in the $6 million range, especially after platoon specialist Rob Refsnyder got a similar deal earlier in the off-season. Grichuk, meanwhile, might be slightly less expensive, while providing power and experience for a club that is looking for depth without having to stretch payroll.With camp fast approaching, league executives believe that Philadelphia could remain active until the final days of the winter market. If the Phillies land even one of the profiles outlined by Feinsand, let alone two, the ripple effects could change their roster and make an already heated NL East race even more so.