What Grade Did Phillies Receive for Their Offseason Moves?

The Philadelphia Phillies accomplished two key goals but what type of grade did they receive for their moves?

The Philadelphia Phillies have proven they’re not afraid to spend money to ensure they’re contenders. It’s just that this offseason the Phillies chose to spend that money internally.

Philadelphia’s two biggest moves of the offseason ensured they would have what they needed on the mound for the foreseeable future.

First, the Phillies reached an agreement with starting pitcher Aaron Nola. Even though he turned down the Phillies’ qualifying offer, the two sides reached a deal quickly once free agency began — seven years, $172 million.

With that, the Phillies kept their one-two punch of Nola and Zack Wheeler intact. But, in March, the Phillies ensured that the pair would remain together through 2027.

The Phillies made extending Wheeler a priority and they reached a three-year, $126 million deal that starts in 2025. It’s the most lucrative extension ever given in terms of average annual value at $42 million.

The only other major pitching target the Phillies appeared to have was Japanese star Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who eventually signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Phillies did have an initial meeting and involved slugger Bryce Harper in the recruitment. But Philadelphia ended up repurposing that money for Wheeler, ensuring their rotational depth.

With a batting order locked up entering 2024, the only major offensive move the Phillies made was to sign utility man Whit Merrifield to a one-year deal worth $7 million with a 2025 option. The three-time All-Star is a lifetime .284 hitter who can play infield or outfield and is a threat to steal. He was signed as insurance for Brandon Marsh, who underwent arthroscopic surgery in February, and will slide into that utility role once Marsh returns.

The Phillies’ only appreciable losses at the Major League level were closer Craig Kimbrel (who signed with Baltimore) and first baseman Rhys Hoskins (who signed with Milwaukee). Pitcher Michael Lorenzen remains unsigned.

Leaving the closer role open is a bit of a risk for the Phillies, though they have several internal candidates who have done the job before, just not as consistently as Kimbrel.

But retaining the best of what they have in the starting rotation and adding Merrifield as a high-level utility player means the Phillies have kept themselves in the mix to make a third straight playoff appearance and take another shot at the World Series. It also leaves them fully stocked to make moves at the trade deadline if needed.

Offseason Grade: A-