The Philadelphia Phillies missed out on signing popular free-agent pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who instead agreed to a 12-year, $325 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers late Thursday. However, the organization could still use the money that they would have offered Yamamoto for other needs on their roster.
Yamamoto was always viewed as a bit of a long shot to sign with the Phillies. Despite being a current contender for a championship and a big market destination, Philadelphia doesn’t have a history of signing Japanese players. One of the factors that appealed to the phenom pitcher was playing on a roster with other players of his ethnicity.
Now that the Yamamoto sweepstakes have concluded, clubs will pivot to pursuing other available free agents or acquiring players via trade. The Phillies have other moves that they can address before Opening Day on March 28, 2024, against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park.
Philadelphia is unlikely to offer a big contract to another free agent this offseason. What could the Phillies use the money they offered Yamamoto toward addressing another need on their roster?
The Phillies should offer Zack Wheeler an extension
Zack Wheeler has established himself as the ace of the Phillies starting rotation since his arrival in 2020. While his ERA (3.61), WHIP (1.08), and batting average against (.227) were higher last season than in 2021 and 2022, the starter was unquestionably Philadelphia’s most dependable starter.
Wheelin’ and Dealin’ pic.twitter.com/J05EXogCQz
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) October 22, 2023
Wheeler’s strong year in 2023 earned him his first Gold Glove Award back in November. With a 1.95 ERA in four starts and one relief appearance in Game 7 of the National League Championship Series, he was lights out for the Phillies in the previous postseason. In his 27 2/3 innings pitched, he finished 3-0 with 35 strikeouts and three walks allowed. Against the right-hander, Batters’ average was a pitiful.170, with a 0.72 WHIP.
The Phillies would be without their best starter if Wheeler was not retained. Although Aaron Nola has too many inconsistent outings to be regarded as a trustworthy ace, he looks like a good choice as a second starting.
Since Wheeler seems to be improving with age, Philadelphia ought to think about making him an extension offer this offseason before he hits free agency. The Phillies won’t be able to meet his asking price in free agency this winter. In the fall of 2024, if he becomes a free agent, he might be the best starting pitcher on the market.
After losing out on Yamamoto, the most logical course of action for Philadelphia would be to extend an offer to Wheeler. Dave Dombrowski, the president of baseball operations for the Phillies, stated in November that the team hopes to retain the 33-year-old past 2024.
It’s the Gold Glove Award winner’s choice to decide if he wants to assess his value in free agency during the upcoming offseason. After the 2024 season, the Phillies would want to retain him by giving him a new contract, particularly if he had a successful year. The company needs to immediately pursue an extension and take all necessary steps to prevent it from happening.
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