Way Too Early Look at Who Philadelphia Phillies Should Pursue in Free Agency

The upcoming free agency class for 2024 is loaded with big named players who are hitting the market as an unrestricted free agent and those who could opt out of their current deals.

The gem of the class with be Shohei Ohtani, who will command a massive deal from any team looking to secure the best player in baseball.

While any team would love to get the Japanese phenom, it's very unlikely that the Philadelphia Phillies will be in the market for him with six players scheduled to make $20 million or more next season.

However, there are plenty of targets the Phillies can pursue in free agency next year, including some of their current players who are hitting the market.

Here's a way too early look at who they should target in the offseason.

Starting Pitching

Aaron Nola and newly acquired Michael Lorenzen are both hitting free agency after the season. Nola has been a staple in the Philadelphia rotation since 2015, however his form has been shaky the past few seasons. Turning 31 next year, his best days could be behind him.

This is Lorenzen's second year as a starter performing his best in that role. He could regress away from his All-Star form and would be a risky resigning for a championship contending team.

Jack Flaherty could be a real option for Philadelphia. He'll be 28 next season and does not have a lot of miles on his arm. He does have injury concerns, but when he's healthy he has elite stuff.

Blake Snell and Eduardo Rodriguez are two lefties on the market who are putting together some of, if not their best seasons ever. They could be a target in the offseason.

Hitters

Rhys Hoskins will be a free agent coming off missing the full year with a torn ACL. It's clear how much the Phillies miss his bat in the middle of the lineup so he'll be a primary target to resign.

If they get Hoskins back, Harper should return to the outfield full time and solidify the defense that has struggled heavily this year. Many of the concerns this season should go away in 2024.

However, adding hitting will be a priority.

Cody Bellinger and Teoscar Hernandez come to mind as players who can play multiple positions in the field. Bellinger has returned to his MVP form so will likely command a monster contract, which could push Philadelphia out of the running. Hernandez is more likely candidate heading into his ninth season at age 31.

Hitting and starting pitching should be the two biggest targets of the Phillies' front office in the offseason.

The type of player they get is all dependent on how much money ownership wants to be shelling out as they chase another World Series title.

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