The club made headlines last month, resigning hurler Aaron Nola to a seven-year deal for $172 million. Following the signing, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said he was content with a 2024 roster that closely resembled that of 2023.
It's certainly possible the club will add incremental value to the roster over the remainder of the offseason, but sources have told the Philadelphia Baseball Review that Dombrowski and Co. are not opposed to adding another significant name if the price makes sense.
Multiple sources indicate the Phillies have demonstrated a legitimate interest in hurler Yoshinobu Yamamoto, but at least a half dozen other organizations are also in on the Japanese All-Star. The Dodgers, Yankees, Giants, and Mets are all believed to be heavily in on the 25-year-old.
The Phillies also are rumored to be in conversation with the Padres regarding outfielder Juan Soto. The three-time All-Star is only 25, but San Diego is looking to dump salary. Soto will be a free agent at the end of the 2024 season, meaning his acquisition would be risky unless a guaranteed extension is in place. The club would likely be forced to deal multiple top-level prospects and some major league talent in any deal, plus cover a significant chunk of the $33 million he's owed in 2024.
The Phillies also could look to add another late-inning arm to the bullpen. Closer Craig Kimbrel won't be back, so signing a proven closer could be a priority.
