PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — One of the perks of the Phillies making it all the way to the World Series is Philadelphia fans don’t have to wait long for the entertaining part of the off-season to get going. “Hot Stove” season, when free-agent signings and trades are most prevalent, has been underway since just days after the Astros beat the Phillies.
It’s quite possible that Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski is once again active in free agency. There are two areas the Phils should really try to improve on in the coming months: They need to add a player who hits for average, and they need another starting pitcher.
And looking ahead to the 2023 season, we have some key dates to mark on your calendar.
A magical ride
First things first: Let’s put a giant red bow on the 2022 Phillies season.
There’s no doubt the ending was disappointing, especially after the Phillies had a 2-1 lead in the World Series over Houston. The Phils’ bats got way too quiet. Players who needed to produce did not produce. And while he certainly deserves loads of credit for turning things around after he took over in June, Rob Thomson made a crucial error in the World Series with the arguably questionable decision to remove ace Zack Wheeler from Game 6 with the lead in the sixth inning.
That being said, it’s undeniable the 2022 Philadelphia Phillies not only ended a way-too-long “Red October” drought by getting into the playoffs, but they also provided unforgettable memories along the way.
Related
The question is simple: Do the 2023 Phils build off of their run, like the 2008 Phillies did after 2007? Or, is this era of Phillies baseball similar to the 1993 bunch, who were lightning in a bottle?
Two priorities this offseason
The Phillies are far from perfect.
Their defense is average, at best, and hurt them in Game 5 of the World Series. Their bullpen could probably use another reliable arm, or two. Make no mistake, their pen was really good in the postseason, but it wouldn’t hurt if it were a little deeper.
Yet, their two biggest areas of need fall within their lineup and starting rotation.
1. A bat that hits for average
The Phillies became too dependent on home runs against the Astros. After smacking five home runs in Game 3, they scored only three more runs the rest of the series. Adding a player who hits for average should be a priority.
Because the Phillies declined the club option on second baseman Jean Segura, paving the way to move Bryson Stott from shortstop, you’re likely going to hear about the Phils having an opportunity for one of the big-name free agent shortstops on the market — most notably Trea Turner, Xander Bogaerts, Carlos Correa and Dansby Swanson.
Related audio
Any of those players would be a big — yet expensive — upgrade. Phillies Nation’s Tim Kelly cited three baseball reporters whose contract estimations for Turner would take a long-term deal worth something between $30 million and $37 million a season.
The Phillies, as noted by NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Corey Seidman, have some money coming off the books this season. They went over the luxury tax for the first time in franchise history this past season, so it wouldn’t be far-fetched to see them do so again. They came within two wins of the championship. Simply put, one can assume paying a lot of money won’t be an issue for this ballclub. They may get out-bid for a player, but it’s unlikely it will be because they’re unwilling to spend.
2. A fourth starting pitcher
Meantime, the Phillies might not have to break the bank to add a reliable fourth starting pitcher to join Wheeler, Aaron Nola and Ranger Suárez. Don’t get me wrong, they could, but the Phillies should also be mindful that prospects Andrew Painter and Mick Abel are progressing nicely through the minor leagues, and could make a case to make the big league roster in 2023, if not at some point during the season.
Key dates
Nov. 18: MLB tender deadline date
Teams will need to decide by then whether to move forward with players eligible for arbitration, which is how certain players are paid after a few seasons of major league action, but before free agency.
Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins is entering the final year of arbitration eligibility. It would be noteworthy — and somewhat surprising — if he is not tendered a contract, letting him become a free agent with the Phils getting nothing in return. The Phils could also conceivably tender him a contract — which would make the most sense — and try to trade him, since he would be entering the final year before free agency eligibility. Trading Hoskins might be hard because of his salary.
In short, this is a huge “prove-it” season for Sacramento native Hoskins, the Phillies’ current longest-tenured position player and a homegrown product. Hoskins is a streaky hitter. When he is hot, watch out. But when he is cold, it is frustrating. His defense also needs improvement. However, despite varying public opinions of his skills on the field, Hoskins is undeniably vocal about his pride in red pinstripes.
Important Phillies reliever José Alvarado is also entering the final year of arbitration eligibility.
Dec. 4 - 7: MLB Winter Meetings
The MLB Winter Meetings in San Diego are typically when a lot of free agent and trade action happens, because everyone is in one spot.
Feb. 25: First Grapefruit League game
The Phillies’ first Grapefruit League game is scheduled for this date in Florida, with split-squad action. The Phils have a game against the Yankees in Clearwater. They are also scheduled to be on the road that day against the Tigers in Lakeland.
March 30: Opening Day
Opening Day for the Phillies in 2023 will be on the road against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field in Arlington.
April 6: Phillies home opener
The Phillies 2023 home opener is scheduled for a Thursday afternoon against the Cincinnati Reds.