More than two weeks into free agency, it’s not exactly clear who the Philadelphia Phillies have in mind as they attempt to upgrade their starting rotation.
There’s some evidence that World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg will wind up back with the Washington Nationals. And while Jayson Stark of The Athletic has said that the Phillies will “stay in the mix” on Gerrit Cole, it doesn’t appear they are currently expected to approach the eight-year/$256 million deal that the three-time All-Star is projected to get.
That’s led many to believe that free-agent righty Zack Wheeler may be the team’s top realistic target on the pitching market.