Phillies Hot Stove, Winter 2023-24

[bigegypt0417]

So I guess my question is what would the timeline be? 2 years from now or when he's 36+

If it's sooner than later, the divorce may hurt but he's got a good contract and would bring back a good amount of talent....

I don't think Boras/Harper wait 5 years for it to play out.

[zambonir]

I would agree that is Bryce's character but when one gets to that point, denial can kick in. Next year I'll be healthy, next year I'll bounce back, etc. Pretty hard to walk away from the money too. And if your decline is accompanied by injuries no reason to, either.

I'd settle for him just accepting a part-time/bench role if it came to it.

There's not going to be any drama. The Phillies are going to give Bryce his extension. The real issue here is whether they (and he) should even be so firmly committed to him playing here forever no matter what. What if the team does need to rebuild for a couple of years? What if he does no longer merit a starting job? Paradoxically, if I were the Phillies my one counter-negotiation would be to take away his no-trade clause after a certain point but the optics of that wouldn't work for anybody.

[zambonir]

My prediction: if Wheeler is amenable to signing an extension before the season starts they will get Bryce done at the same time. However they figure out how to lower Bryce's AAV it will help offset - albeit modestly - Wheeler's increased AAV.

Stark: Phillies ‘more committed to re-signing Zack Wheeler than they were Aaron...

[fish]

So I guess my question is what would the timeline be? 2 years from now or when he's 36+

If it's sooner than later, the divorce may hurt but he's got a good contract and would bring back a good amount of talent...

It’s a “show me the love” move without any benefit to the Phils except to keep their franchise player happy. Either they tear up the current contract and increase his annual salary and extend him with 2 years with options at a value that won’t hurt, or extend him at the current value knowing it’s sunk cost. I’m sure they already figured the end of the current deal was sunk cost. He’s a franchise player worthy of unusual concessions in line with the unusual concession he made not to include an opt-out.

[allentown]

I think that part of you is being naive.

[allentown]

He’s a franchise player worthy of unusual concessions in line with the unusual concession he made not to include an opt-out.

So... just give him the opt out.

[zambonir]

But that's not the story either side wants to tell. They've both publicly stated he will never play for another team. Which is a lot to assume, but that's where it is.

There's no difference between extending him and "give him the opt-out" because if they did the latter it would be like, immediately (or next season at the latest). Had he gotten one in the first place it would have been now or even a year ago (as was Machado's). And they would re-sign him (except then they'd have to give him even more money because he was theoretically on the open market).

[bkeich]

I know it is not allowed to have an active player a piece of the team, but it might be legal to have in a contract a “right option” where a player could pay a fee for a small percentage (after they retire). I wonder if they explore something like that to see if it can withstand a legal challenge.

[xogfog]

With the Ohtani deal done I hope the Phillies can land Yamamoto. Keep him away from the Mets.

[zambonir]

There doesn't seem to be much indication the Phillies are serious players for him. Both of their own accord and his. Unless they are the proverbial "surprise team." And unfortunately, yes, the Mets are likely to win that bidding war if money is the sole deciding factor.

[Philsmania]

There doesn't seem to be much indication the Phillies are serious players for him. Both of their own accord and his. Unless they are the proverbial "surprise team." And unfortunately, yes, the Mets are likely to win that bidding war if money is the sole deciding factor.

Japanese guys are shiny objects and the Mets like shiny objects.

[Philsmania]

Other than resigning Nola, this has been a very quiet offseason for us so far. It almost seems as if we have been standing pat and I don't think that's a good thing. When might other shoes drop?

[zambonir]

It's just a slow (but normal) off-season in general. Only 7 of MLBTR's Top 20 are off the board. Nola and Ohtani basically set their own pace and now the rest will follow. There will be a pre-holiday flurry and than busy early January too.

Phillies specifically can't sign a relief pitcher or OF until the top targets - whom they aren't interested in themselves - set the market.

[zambonir]

So the question is, are the Phillies an as-yet-unreported team that is in on him (there were supposedly seven which leaves just one, though there could be more)? Or is it already dead (whether by their choice or his)?

The Dodgers met with Yoshinobu Yamamoto today as the star right-hander continues his North American tour, reports Russell Dorsey of Bally Sports (on X). They’re the sixth team known to chat with the 25-year-old free agent.

Mets officials flew to Japan to speak with Yamamoto last week. The pitcher and his camp are now traveling around the U.S. and Canada as they interview with other teams in the mix. Yamamoto met with the Giants two days ago and the Yankees yesterday. He’ll chat with the Red Sox and Blue Jays later in the week.

Dodgers Met With Yoshinobu Yamamoto On Tuesday

[Taudawg]

John Heyman says Phillies are still interested -
https://twitter.com/JonHeyman/status/1734602768554606990?s=20

[VoteForKalas]

They may be, but is Yamamoto and his agents?

The Phillies would have to blow him out of the water IMO to land him and I think that is not advisable in this situation. I wish they had gone hard after Ohtani.

[zambonir]

Well one could read that as, they are in fact getting a meeting/might be the 7th team. Doesn't mean they'll get him but it's still something. Or at least something more than being teams 11-30.

Not that you wouldn't blow up the team for Ohtani but he just didn't make sense given he can't pitch next year and the Phillies' have too many DHs for several more years. He didn't seem to show much interest in the East Coast either. Toronto was probably good for his brand because he would have been the biggest thing in Canada too. But signing with the Phillies wasn't going to change his life endorsement and celebrity-wise the way LA can.

[zambonir]

I think what Matt references in the follow-up here is right/important - the Phillies basically have no shot here but they are finally trying to be players in Asia, which Sal's recent replacement also makes clear. But they are just getting started.

I saw Heyman reported the Phillies were still in on Yamamoto. I suspect they have communicated they like him and would like to make an offer if he is interested. I just still don't see him wanting that and them being the most desperate party involved.

— Matt Winkelman ( @Matt_Winkelman ) December 13, 2023

[andyb]

I am sure the Phillies could deal a salary like Walker if they actually got Yamamoto. Just not sure they are that interested in getting in a bidding war with the NY and LA teams. We got Nola for market price. Why get another pitcher for market plus 10%-20%?

We will still probably get an outfielder and a setup type reliever and call it a day. Just no hurry to do so at the moment.

[zambonir]

I think the question would be more whether they can sign Yamamoto and keep Wheeler, in the more medium-term. But no doubt. There was a modest bidding war for Lugo and he got $15 million; Walker's still an asset.