Three Christmas Gifts For the Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies took a shot at Yoshinobu Yamamoto and lost. The Phillies didn’t necessarily need him, but they wouldn’t have turned him away had he agreed to sign the deal.

Now, the Phillies turn their attention to the rest of free agency and the things they have to do in order to be ready to make another run to the World Series in 2024.

But, it’s Christmas after all, and here are three gifts the Phillies could use under their tree.

Extend Zack Wheeler

This appears to be task No. 1 for the Phillies now that Yamamoto is off the table. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski appears laser focused on it. The money the Phillies were preparing to give Yamamoto can now be repurposed to keep Wheeler, who has been fantastic the past few seasons.

It will be pricey. And Wheeler is 34. But an extension keeps the Phillies in win-now mode and gives younger pitchers like Mick Abel and Griff McGarry time to develop, and Andrew Painter time to get back from Tommy John surgery.

If both parties are amenable, this should be an easy get for both teams, especially since Dombrowski recently said the team intends to work around the edges for the rest of free agency.

Sign Whit Merrifield

If the Phillies are content to work around the edges for the rest of free agency, then Merrifield would be a solid get.

He is about to turn 35, he’s a three-time All-Star and he’s coming off a 2023 in Toronto in which he slashed .272/.318/.382/.700 with 11 home runs, 67 RBI and 26 stolen bases.

What he gives the Phillies is flexibility. He can play second base and outfield. He can spell Bryson Stott and work into Philly’s outfield rotation. He gives them depth and experience.

Plus, he won’t cost much in baseball terms. It’s a solid match.

Sign Josh Hader

With Craig Kimbrel out the door, the Phillies have a hole at closer. The Phillies could lean into José Alvarado, who had 10 saves last season and has 32 career saves. But for a team built to win now, the Phillies could use experience in the ninth inning.

Enter Josh Hader, the most reliable closer on the market. He’ll also cost the most, too.

But, he may be worth the investment. He has 165 career saves and five All-Star Game appearances. He also has a career 2.51 ERA.

Think about it — take the money you were going to give Yamamoto and just give it to Hader and Wheeler. Pitching problems solved.