Former MLB Exec Thinks Phillies Sign World Series Champ in Offseason

As the Philadelphia Phillies enter the offseason, their clear priority is adding pitching to this roster.

They already made two moves to acquire bullpen arms, acquiring one with MLB pedigree off of waivers and another promising pitcher in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays.

While those moves increase their depth and might fortify their relief staff for the 162-game season, they need to add an ace-level starter to their rotation.

With Aaron Nola on the market and other teams seemingly willing to throw a massive deal at him, the Phillies could find themselves missing a major part of their championship-ready team if they're unable to re-sign him.

In fact, there are thoughts already swirling that they could lose him to a National League powerhouse.

If that happens, former MLB executive Jim Bowden thinks that Philadelphia will pivot to a star pitcher coming off a World Series championship.

"The Phillies, after falling short in their attempts to bring back Nola, quickly pivot and land lefty Jordan Montgomery on a five-year, $127 million contract," he predicts for The Athletic.

While it would be difficult to see Nola go, there's no question that he regressed this season, despite his strong performance in the playoffs.

Montgomery is hitting his prime.

He posted the lowest ERA of his career this season (3.20) across 32 starts and 188 2/3 innings.

The 30-year-old lefty was even better in the playoffs, going 3-1 with a 2.90 ERA across six appearances.

Montgomery was a trade deadline acquisition of the Texas Rangers this year and was a big reason why they were able to win the World Series.

The Phillies will need to add a high-level starting pitcher if they do lose Nola. Montgomery might be the best option that they can get for the type of contract that Bowden predicts.