A fresh development report: Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies’ offseason has been pretty quiet outside of re-signing right-hander Aaron Nola to a seven-year, $172 million deal before the winter meetings and adding infielder Whit Merrifield as a bench piece.
Up next on G.M. Dave Dombrowski’s to-do list: extending right-hander Zack Wheeler, whose 19.3 fWAR over the last four seasons is the most in the majors for a pitcher and whose 2.42 playoff ERA is sixth-best in MLB history.
The Phillies have to let Rhys Hoskins go because Bryce Harper’s 2022 elbow surgery has permanently pushed him to first base.
Harper coupled 21 homers with a.900 OPS in 126 games last year and has a.931 OPS and 122 homers in five years since signing a 13-year, $330 million deal before the 2019 season.
That said, Harper is allegedly pursuing an extension to make sure he finishes his career in Philadelphia. Another reason for a quiet offseason: center fielder Johan Rojas hit.302/.342/.430 while playing Gold Glove-caliber defense.
Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler throws during a baseball spring training exercise Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024, in Clearwater, Fla.
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