While MLB draws closer to Spring Training 2024, multiple star free agents are still available. Big pitching names like Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery too remain unsigned. Amid the off-season buzz, one of the teams that has remained quiet was the Philadelphia Phillies. But now, among the teams still circling these powerful arms, the Phillies have emerged with a sudden potential splash. 

Before getting into that, the context of the “Big Four” of the pitching free agency, as MLB.com calls it, comes to light. The clients of Scott Boras, Snell, Montgomery, Matt Chapman, and Cody Bellinger are still available. Questions about their next destinations loom. But the most concerning question here is, will Boras, who is known for patient negotiation strategies, be able to have these flamethrowers signed before Opening Day? 

The Philadelphia Phillies Might Rise To The Occasion This Free Agency

The Phillies might have an answer to that question. The city has emerged as a potential dark horse in the sweepstakes of Snell and Montgomery. Dave Dombrowski, the president has remained shush about making major moves, yet he left the door open enough to get a peek at opportunistic acquisitions. He said, “I can’t tell you that somebody doesn’t fall into your lap at some point where you say, ‘Gee, that’s an opportunity we can’t turn down.’“

With that, the Phillies’ inclination stems from their relatively inactive offseason. Not to mention Dombrowski’s storied past of making big offseason plays. Take his $214 million signing of Prince Fielder in 2014, for example. Well, while the Texas Rangers appear to be the frontrunners of the former New York Yankee, ‘Monty’, the Chicago Cubs pose as the best fit for ‘Belli’. It is highly likely that Phillies would swoop in at the right chance.

But will having the 2x Cy Young award winner and the 2023 World Series Winner onboard bolster Philadelphia’s starting rotation? Currently, Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola are the anchors of the rotation. But given the credibility of Snell and Monty, they might be foreseeing a strikeout potential and postseason experience along with control and durability.

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A Prolonged Free Agency For Many

Looking further into the scenario, turns out, the Phillies aren’t the only team with questions about free agency. Two of the premier designated hitters, J.D. Martinez and Jorge Soler, remain unassigned. It could see their markets coincide depending on the needs of potential suitors. On one hand, Martinez might seek a one-year deal. On the other, Soler’s versatility in the corner outfield could appear attractive for teams that are in search of a longer commitment. It is important to note here that time is of the essence. 

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With Spring Training knocking at the door, the Major League offseason is heating up. Some big names might have found new homes, but the “Big Four” still in the market might want suitors like the City of Brotherly love to make a surprise move.