The Philadelphia Phillies are gearing up for a pivotal offseason following a disappointing exit in the National League Division Series at the hands of the New York Mets. With the team looking to strengthen its roster, the focus has turned to reshaping the bullpen and potentially parting ways with a key player. According to Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller, the Phillies may pursue standout reliever Tanner Scott, but this move hinges on their ability to offload either Nick Castellanos or Alec Bohm.
Scott, who became an All-Star for the first time in 2023, represents a significant target for Philadelphia as they aim to bolster their bullpen. After being traded from the Miami Marlins to the San Diego Padres midseason, Scott posted a stellar campaign, notching a career-best 22 saves across both teams. His overall performance was impressive, with a career-low 1.75 ERA in 2023. Over the past three seasons, he has accumulated 54 saves and holds a career ERA of 3.56. Spotrac projects Scott to sign a four-year, $65 million contract in free agency, underscoring his value as a top-tier reliever.
The Phillies’ bullpen has a pressing need for reinforcements, especially with the potential departures of Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez to free agency. Adding Scott would address this weakness, but his acquisition would require careful financial maneuvering. Miller suggests that the Phillies are unlikely to finalize a deal for Scott unless they are confident in trading either Castellanos or Bohm to free up salary and roster flexibility.
Nick Castellanos, who joined the Phillies on a five-year, $100 million contract in 2022, could be on the move. Despite being an All-Star, Castellanos has shown signs of decline, with his offensive production increasingly reliant on home runs. His hefty contract may prompt the Phillies to explore trade options as they look to maximize value and shed payroll.
Alec Bohm, another potential trade candidate, offers a different set of considerations. Although Bohm is under team control through 2026 and has displayed promise as a young talent, the Phillies reportedly have concerns about his character and long-term fit. His trade value is currently at its peak, making this an opportune time for the team to explore offers for the third baseman.
The Phillies’ offseason strategy hinges on striking a balance between strengthening their bullpen and maintaining offensive production. Moving either Castellanos or Bohm could provide the financial and roster flexibility needed to pursue Tanner Scott, who would bring reliability and late-inning dominance to the team. However, these decisions carry risks, as trading away proven players like Castellanos or Bohm could impact the lineup’s depth and overall chemistry.
Ultimately, the Phillies appear poised for an eventful winter as they navigate trade discussions and free-agent negotiations. Adding Scott to their bullpen would address a critical need, but the team must first decide which pieces they are willing to part with to facilitate the move. Whether this approach pays off will depend on their ability to balance immediate needs with long-term roster stability.
