Jim Salisbury Previews What the Phillies Could Do in Free Agency
Even though the Phillies season just ended, free agency is already upon us. Teams can start signing free agents as early as November 10th. And early indications are that the Phillies could be very busy trying to improve the roster that took them to the World Series this season. What moves could be on the horizon? Are there certain names we should be looking out for? To preview the MLB offseason and what the Phillies will do in free agency, “The Best Show Ever?” talked to him Salisbury from NBC Sports Philly. Here is some of what he had to say.
On If Rhys Hoskins Will Be Back With The Phillies
“I would say (he is) probably more likely to be here. He is entering his final year of control, is a very streaky player, and has defensive shortcomings. I just don’t know what you are going to get back for him in a trade. They would be open to that if it gets them pitching. But given where he is in terms of control, he is getting expensive, I don’t know what they get back. He might be of more value to the Phillies to just take those 30 HRs and hope to get the best final year of control out of him. But I am sure they will listen and will put his name out there.”
On if Masataka Yoshida Is a Possibility
“I think they’d have affection for anybody who is an upgrade. They could use a bat. But I think they’re inflexible in the outfield… So I don’t know that they will be a big player for him. We will see. I have seen where he said he likes the Phillies. It is certainly intriguing. They haven’t really played in that market… I am sure they will have those conversations. But I don’t know if it makes a ton of sense since you are so locked in in the outfield. They do need a bat. I think the middle infield will be the place for that. And I think they need starting pitching. I think those will be their focus.”
On If He Would Be Shocked If The Phillies Don’t Land One of the Short Stops
“Would I be shocked? No. But those guys do make a lot of sense. Bogaerts, and Trae Turner. Because you are freeing up two spots in the middle infield. You have a guy in Bryson Stott who has played 2nd base… There is a great class at SS. And all those guys hit. They would like that in the lineup. Put it this way, I will be shocked if they are not in on one of those guys. I don’t know if they are going to land one of them. But they spend money. They want to win, and there are some good players out there. They are always going to be in on good players.”
Listen to the full interview with Jim Salisbury about free agency below…
