After World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg opted out of the final four years and $100 million on his contract with the Washington Nationals, he’s set to join Houston Astros RHP Gerrit Cole – the likely American League Cy Young Award winner – at the top of the free-agent market.
While there’s some indication that Strasburg could ultimately return to D.C. and that the Phillies may be a long-shot to sign Cole, certainly general manager Matt Klentak will inquire on the two aces. There’s a case to be made that the only way that the Phillies could enter 2020 with a serious chance to win the crowded National League East is by signing one of the two arms.