Philadelphia Phillies Seen As 'Top Landing Spot' For Superstar Closer
The Philadelphia Phillies have had an unusually quiet offseason after they re-signed Aaron Nola.
In the past, they have been one of the most aggressive teams in acquiring star players on the open market.
But, with the front office having done an exceptional job of building a roster that went to the World Series in 2022 and is coming off back-to-back NLCS appearances, there was little for them to do this year.
The Phillies roster isn't without its flaws, though.
They'd still like to make some upgrades, evident by their relentless search for starting pitching this offseason, but their already high payroll limits what the front office and owner are willing to do.
It's likely the bullpen will be the only thing Philadelphia upgrades before Spring Training gets underway.
Orion Kerkering seemed to be poised to take over the role of the departed Craig Kimbrel, but he reportedly isn't a lock to make the Opening Day roster.
Because of that, Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report lists the Phillies as the fifth-best landing spot for superstar closer Emmanuel Clase of the Cleveland Guardians.
In his trade proposal, he has Philadelphia sending their No. 3 and No. 4 ranked prospects, Justin Crawford and Aidan Miller, to get back the right-handed reliever.
Clase is certainly talented, but this is just an insane trade idea.
Yes, the Phillies could use another bullpen piece, but sending out their two best fielding prospects while they already have their rising star Kerkering ready to take the next step is not a good plan.
Clase is under contract for the next three seasons, with two years of club options remaining on his five-year, $20 million extension he signed with the Guardians in 2022, making a potential move much more palatable.
However, under no circumstances, no matter what type of need Philadelphia has this season, should they be sending out Crawford and Miller for a single reliever.
