The Philadelphia Phillies have been notably quiet so far this MLB offseason, despite swirling rumors about potential moves.
The team stayed out of the Juan Soto sweepstakes, and their only notable action during the Winter Meetings was signing reliever Jordan Romano. However, agent Scott Boras has hinted that something significant might be in the works, as the Phillies are rarely idle for long.
One major question is: what move could be coming?
Philadelphia has reportedly made All-Star third baseman Alec Bohm available in trade talks and is eager to offload Nick Castellanos and the remainder of his hefty contract. Ideally, they’d receive pitching in return. However, salary-shedding moves would only make sense if they’re part of a larger plan.
Could that plan include a free-agent splash, such as targeting Houston Astros star Alex Bregman to replace Bohm if he’s dealt?
ESPN’s David Schoenfield recently shared updated predictions for the remaining free agents. While he doesn’t see Bregman landing in Philadelphia, he does expect the Phillies to make a big move. Schoenfield predicts they will sign Baltimore Orioles All-Star right fielder Anthony Santander as a backup plan for the two-time All-Star third baseman.
“The Phillies are going to do something — as they should, with a veteran, win-now roster that fell disappointingly short in the playoffs the past two seasons. Santander deepens a lineup that, while not necessarily short on power, hit fewer home runs than the Mets and Atlanta Braves in 2024.”
Santander enters free agency at an ideal time, coming off a career-best season in which he hit 44 home runs and drove in 102 runs. He has been a consistent power source, hitting at least 28 homers in each of the past three seasons, making him a potential fit for the Phillies.
Schoenfield projects Santander will land a three-year, $69 million contract.
While his power would undoubtedly benefit Philadelphia, adding him isn’t without risks. Santander’s defensive limitations mirror those of Castellanos, currently manning right field. With Kyle Schwarber primarily occupying the designated hitter role, it’s hard to see the Phillies adding another subpar defender without first moving Castellanos.
Santander’s bat would thrive in Philadelphia, but balancing the lineup defensively remains a challenge.
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