With the Realmuto Sweepstakes Concluded, What’s Next?
After months of continuous pleas and cries, Phillies front office officials finally answered the bell by resigning star catcher J.T. Realmuto to a five year 115.5 million dollar contract Tuesday afternoon. In what almost feels like a sigh of relief versus pure excitement, this was a mandatory move for the Phils if they look to stay competitive in this year’s N.L East. The pertinent question here, though, is, what’s the next area that requires immediate attention?
Overhauling the bullpen is and should continue to be the principal focus. A myriad of possibilities still exists with how the bullpen can restructure. Jon Heyman reported yesterday that even though Darren O’Day signed with the Yanks, the Phillies stood at the top of the line for his services and remain at the top for several other pen arms.
However, with shortstop Andrelton Simmons coming off the market Tuesday, receiving 10.5 million from the Twins; It’s paramount the Phillies retain DiDi Gregorius. Heyman reports, DiDi is eyeing a two-year contract worth 30 million dollars. With J.T. deferring 10 million during the first year of his deal, this signing shouldn’t be problematic.
For some reason, if that falls through, Kolton Wong reportedly may be a potential plan B. In comparison, he’d be a downgrade at the dish posting a career .261 average alongside an ops. of .717. Even so, his elite glovework bolstered by back to back gold glove awards in the 19 and 20 seasons would provide more sure handedness up the middle.
While addressing this, occupation of the centerfield position also remains in question. Standing pact, we’d see familiar faces Hasely, Quinn, and Kingery rotating in and out. Jackie Bradley Jr. feels like the most viable free-agent possibility. Like Wong, he wouldn’t provide a massive upgrade at the bat, but his spectacular acrobatic catches and overall defensive prowess would receive a warm welcome from Phillies faithful.
The starting rotation also finds itself in need of a fifth starter, with many suitable applicants remaining available. Former Phillie and 2008 World Series MVP Cole Hamels most notably stand out through my lens. His championship experience intertwined with the opportunity to help bring a championship back to the franchise, where it all started as the sun begins to set on his career paints an ideal setting for Hamels to return. Assuming the Phillies wouldn’t bring a low ball offer to the table for the second straight offseason.
At this juncture, the wait will continue to persist. We have to hope Middleton enables Dombrowski to live up to his billing of being a spender willing to do what’s necessary to secure talent. We can at least bide our time with the reassurance we booked Bryce and J.T. as pillars of the franchise for the immediate future.
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Categorized:Phillies