"Several executives think the Philadelphia Phillies could be a sleeper for one of the remaining marquee free agents in starter Jordan Montgomery or center fielder Cody Bellinger," USA Today's Bob Nightengale reports.
Nightengale joined Hugh Douglas and Joe Giglio on Monday's 94WIP Midday Show and says he does expects the Phillies to add another piece before Spring Training saying.
"I do think they'll make a move," Nightengale said. "With John Middleton and Dave Dombrowski, they're just too aggressive to just kind of sit back and hope things fall in place."
94WIP's Howard Eskin said last week on the 94WIP Midday Show that he is confident that Dave Dombrowski is not doing improving the Phillies this offseason.
"No, absolutely N-O. They are not done," Eskin said emphatically on with Hugh Douglas and Joe Giglio on Tuesday's 94WIP Midday Show. "They will get, I believe, another starter and I think they will get another pitcher for the bullpen. And they need another bat."
Joe Giglio listed five players the Phillies should target before Spring Training, and his top option was the aforementioned Bellinger, a 28-year-old two-time All-Star outfielder.
"Bellinger, according to most reports, is seeking 200 million dollars. Where is he getting that right now?" Giglio said. "Things happen and maybe a big market will suddenly need something...If he would take, I don't know, a two-year, 50 million dollar with an opt out after one...Bellinger is everything this team needs."
Montgomery, who was not on Giglio's list, is a 31-year-old left-handed starting pitcher who could bolster Philadelphia's rotation.