5. RHP Max Scherzer
Scherzer would be the key addition to the rotation and might be all they need to enhance an already impressive group.
Despite an injury-filled 2024 season, he still has some ability left.
The 40-year-old is two seasons removed from a 2.29 ERA and 0.908 WHIP season. While not as elite lately, he remains strong.
4. LHP Ranger Suarez
Suarez struggled in the latter half of the season but remains a solid backend starter.
Philadelphia hopes he can balance his performance from both halves of last season, which would still make him a valuable pitcher.
3. LHP Cristopher Sanchez
While Suarez's performance declined, Cristopher Sanchez maintained consistency in his first All-Star season.
He's among the league's best at inducing ground balls due to his exceptional off-speed pitches.
2. RHP Aaron Nola
Nola became the team's second option last year, which seemed to benefit everyone.
The Phillies took a risk by offering him a significant extension after a down 2023 season, and they were quickly rewarded for it. He had an impressive year with a 3.57 ERA.
1. RHP Zack Wheeler
Wheeler also received a substantial extension before the season, despite being 34 years old.
He was one of the best pitchers in MLB and would have won the Cy Young if not for Chris Sale.
The Philadelphia Phillies had one of the top pitching staffs in baseball last season but could benefit from additional pitching depth.
Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter assessed each team's starting rotation based on the current state of free agency and predicted that the Phillies might add a veteran to the lower end of their rotation.
Potential Depth Starters: RHP Taijuan Walker, RHP Andrew Painter, RHP Tyler Phillips, RHP Seth Johnson
Walker was the fifth starter last season but didn't play enough to secure the position for the upcoming year, posting a 7.10 ERA over 83.2 innings.
Philadelphia is committed to an expensive and regrettable contract with him, so he will likely play some role next year.
Painter's progress would be a significant boost for the Phillies. He returned from injury in the Arizona Fall League and performed excellently.
Phillips, a rookie, contributed at the back of the rotation. His 6.87 ERA wasn't impressive, but he showed some potential.
Johnson, acquired in the Gregory Soto trade, had a rough start last year but won't be written off.
Jul 25, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Max Scherzer (31) strikes out Chicago White Sox designated hitter Eloy Jimenez (not pictured) to become 10th on the all-time strike out list in the second inning at Globe Life Field.
Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
Max Scherzer to join the Phillies rotation?
December 10, 2024
The future Hall of Famer is a free agent after an injury plagued stretch with the Texas Rangers.
Philly Sports Jawn
Jawn Kruk
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