MLB Rumors: Should the Phillies Add Another Starting Pitcher?
The Phillies are in a tricky position as the off-season winds down. With just two weeks until pitchers and catchers report, the team is considering adding another starting pitcher to their roster. But should they?
The Phillies have a solid core of starting pitchers, with Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, and Andrew Painter as key pieces. However, there are some question marks surrounding their performance. Will Wheeler recover fully from his surgery? Can Nola bounce back from a poor season? Will Painter live up to the hype as the organization's top pitching prospect?
The Phillies' current starting rotation is a mix of known quantities and question marks. Cris Sánchez and Jesús Luzardo are the only two starters that fans can feel confident about. Taijuan Walker, who has been average during his time with the Phillies, is a potential option if Painter or Wheeler aren't ready. But is there a better option out there?
Jon Heyman's list of pitchers still on the market includes some intriguing names. Here's a breakdown of the top candidates and their potential fit for the Phillies:
- Framber Valdez: A left-handed pitcher with a qualifying offer, Valdez would cost the Phillies a draft pick and is worth upwards of $30 million annually. A risky move for a one-year deal.
- Zack Gallen: A great fit, but he received a qualifying offer and might be too expensive. At 30, he'll likely seek a longer-term deal.
- Lucas Giolito: A solid performer with a 3.26 ERA last year, but he'll want a raise. A one-year deal might be too costly.
- Chris Bassitt: A 37-year-old right-hander who could sign a reasonable one-year deal. He's been adequate for the Blue Jays and might be open to a contender. However, his $21 million salary might be too much for the Phillies.
- Nick Martinez: A right-handed pitcher with a 4.16 ERA, Martinez is 35 and had a step back in 2025. A more affordable option, but his age might be a concern.
- Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer: Both future Hall of Famers, but at 43 and 41, respectively, they might not be available until June. A potential long-shot.
- Aaron Civale: A journeyman with a 4.14 ERA, Civale might not be an upgrade over Walker. A 30-year-old right-hander, he could be a solid camp arm.
- Zack Littell: With a better career ERA at 3.88, Littell made $6 million last year. A more interesting option for the Phillies.
- Jose Quintana: A left-handed pitcher with a solid career, but at 37, he's not a long-term solution. The Phillies already have Sánchez and Luzardo.
- Chris Paddack: With a 4.64 ERA over 118 games, Paddack might be a camp arm option.
As the off-season progresses, the Phillies are likely to focus on adding a pitcher on the cheaper side for a one-year deal. The team's biggest strength last season was their starting rotation, and with little improvement expected in the offense, maintaining that advantage is crucial.
The Phillies have the space to add a starter, and their bargain-hunting approach could pay off. With players like Canning, Littell, Bassitt, or Martinez still on the market, the team might find a gem in the final weeks before spring training.
Adding a pitcher in the $4-8 million range could provide insurance and help the Phillies maintain their starting rotation strength. The team's ability to bargain hunt and their need for starting pitching make this a potential area of focus as the off-season concludes.
