General manager Matt Klentak and others met with Scott Boras and discussed Bryce Harper, but the content of those discussions remains speculative. Boras was mum on the conversation when he spoke with media on Wednesday.
As for Manny Machado, sources say he'll be visiting Philadelphia in the coming weeks as part of a tour that will also include a stop up in New York to meet with the Yankees.
The Phillies did make a move during the Meetings, signing veteran outfielder Andrew McCutchen to a three-year deal worth $50 million. The deal includes a $15 million club option, with a $3 million buyout for 2022. It's a smart move that adds a much needed veteran presence to a young clubhouse. The 32-year-old hit .255 with 20 home runs, 65 RBIs and a .792 OPS last season while splitting time between the Giants and the Yankees.
The club is still on the prowl to upgrade their pitching staff with left-hander Dallas Keuchel remaining on the market as a potential target. Sources also indicate some chatter with the Indians regarding right-handers Corey Kluber and Trevor Bauer.
With the addition of McCutchen, the Phillies could potentially move an outfielder to help fill a need for Cleveland, though there will likely be some top-level prospects involved in any discussion.
In regards to the bullpen, the Phillies remain contenders to land Andrew Miller or Zach Britton, both lefties. Some sources believe the Phillies could go in on both if plans for Harper or Machado go awry, which at this point seems to be a legitimate possibility.
Klentak and the Phillies are a better club on paper today in comparison to when the season finished back in October, but the same can be said about every team in the division minus the Miami Marlins.
Time, for now, is still on Klentak's side. Big things can still happen, but the pressure will continue to mount.
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