Philadelphia Phillies Pursue All-Star Closer at Winter Meetings?
The Philadelphia Phillies’ big splash was signing Aaron Nola, according to most. Many reports indicate that the team isn’t going to spend big on another player.
However, as we’ve seen in the past with the Phillies, the front office will spend as much money as possible if it means they’re going to have a chance of winning a World Series. Does that mean that Philadelphia goes after guys like Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani? Maybe so, maybe not. One name that continues to come up for the Phillies is star closer Josh Hader. The All-Star spent most of his career with the Milwaukee Brewers before being traded to the San Diego Padres. With the Padres, he continued to be arguably the best closer in baseball.
Craig Kimbrel’s time in Philadelphia is likely done unless the two sides agree on a new deal. This could be a possibility as the Phillies could keep a familiar face around on a cheaper deal. For a team that wants to win a World Series, why not add an elite closer like Hader? He’s going to come in during the ninth inning and essentially guarantee them a win more times than not. That’s insanely valuable in the postseason and a loaded National League East. It would also allow the Phillies to have some of their best relievers pitch in the seventh and eighth innings.
The question remains of how much the front office wants to spend? An argument is made for both sides, but spending this much on a reliever might simply not be in the plans for Philadelphia.
Given they can add an above-average starter or bat for around the same price, that, to many, is their best option.
