With the World Series in the books, the Phillies have already begun making decisions to shape how the roster will look in 2023.
The club picked up Aaron Nola's 2023 $16 million option on Monday and declined a $17 million option to retain Jean Segura. Zach Eflin also declined a $15 million mutual option to return to the club, so he is now a free agent.
Nola, 29, posted a 3.25 over 32 starts and pieced together the best season of his eight-year career. His 0.96 WHIP ranked fourth in the National League, while his 2.58 FIP ranked second.
Segura, 32, spent four seasons with the Phillies and hit .281 while posting a 102 OPS+ over 427 games. He was an average defender but provided a steady glove in the middle infield.
As for Eflin, he made just 13 starts this past season before an issue with his right knee caused him to miss significant time. He returned late in the year in a bullpen role and pitched some pivotal innings in the postseason.
The 28-year-old right-hander spent seven seasons with Philadelphia and posted a 4.49 career ERA.
In addition to Monday's roster changes, six players - all pitchers - declared free agency on Sunday, including Noah Syndergaard, Kyle Gibson, Brad Hand, David Robertson, Corey Knebel, and Chris Devenski.
Of the six, only Syndergaard and Robertson pitched in meaningful situations down the stretch.
The roster moves over the last two days, coupled with the expiration of contracts for Odubel Herrera, Didi Gregorius, and Jeurys Familia, leave the club with an estimated $80 million in vacated payroll.
Rhys Hoskins and Jose Alvarado are the only two players that will command sizeable raises in arbitration; Hoskins made $7.7 million in 2022, and Alvarado made $1.9 million.
Even so, the Phillies appear to have plenty of cash available to improve a roster needing a middle infielder, at least two starters, and some depth in the bullpen.
The hot stove is here.
