The Phillies have already signaled to the league that they are shopping for a starting pitcher this offseason. They could be players at the top end. Maybe they land the top option available in Carlos Rodón or Dave Dombrowski reunites with Justin Verlander.
But the more likely outcome is that the Phillies save their money and target a mid-rotation starter.
With Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola and Ranger Suárez all returning and three top 100 starting pitching prospects who could be ready to debut this year, the Phillies have some room to take a risk with their free agent starting pitching acquisition.