PHILADELPHIA— While the Major League Baseball free agency period opens weeks prior, many look at the annual Winter Meetings as the official kickoff to the MLB off-season.
With the meetings starting Monday in Dallas, TX, some of the biggest names in free agency have already signed. Willy Adames, Tyler O’Neill, and Blake Snell are some of the top players who have inked contracts with their new clubs.
There are still plenty of franchise-changing players available for organizations to sign. That includes Juan Soto. For the Phillies, the rumor mill has been quiet aside from talks of trading their own third baseman, Alec Bohm, in an effort to shake up their core.
I would not attribute a lack of rumors to a lack of effort or willingness to make a move by this Phillies front office. Dave Dombrowski likes to work in silence, and some of the team’s recent free-agent moves hit the airwaves right before the ink dries.
With so much at stake and the fun about to begin, here are three predictions for what the Phillies may do at the Winter Meetings.
3. Phillies Re-Sign Jeff Hoffman
Rumors are running rampant that teams are interested in Phillies’ reliever Jeff Hoffman.
After two incredible seasons in the Phillies’ bullpen and an all-star appearance in 2024, Hoffman should have a lot of bidders this off-season. However, many clubs are interested in signing Jeff as a starting pitcher and not as a reliever.
A new trend in recent years has been taking a relief pitcher and transitioning them back into a starting role. Seth Lugo of the Royals, Jordan Hicks of the Giants, and now Clay Holmes of the New York Mets are all examples of pitchers whose success in the bullpen gave them another chance at being a starter.
Jeff Hoffman fits the bill, and teams are going to try and bring him into their organization. However, I expect the Phillies are going to want to keep their best relief pitcher on their team. Hoffman’s career changed for the better in Philly, and this has been the place he’s seen the most success in the big leagues. I think both sides would love a reunion, and I predict that re-signing will take place at the Winter Meetings.
Prediction: 3 years / 52 million dollar contract. Hoffman will return to Philly as a relief pitcher and not as a starter.
2. Phillies Sign Paul DeJong
Edmundo Sosa, Buddy Kennedy, and Weston Wilson make up the Phillies’ bench depth when it comes to right-handed hitters. Last off-season, the Phillies signed Whit Merrifield to be a potential utility player for the team, and we all know how that worked out.
This does not mean the team shouldn’t try to fill that void again this off-season. A player who the Phillies should target is veteran infielder Paul DeJong.
DeJong is an 8-year veteran in Major League Baseball and has spent time with the Cardinals, Giants, Blue Jays, White Sox, and Royals. He was once one of the better shortstops in baseball, but his early success turned out to be more of a mirage. At this stage in his career, Paul is more of a bench player, but that role fits well with the Phillies.
Last season with the White Sox and Royals, DeJong showed he still has power in his bat. He hit 17 doubles and 24 home runs combined while driving in 56 RBIs.
Paul DeJong could be a nice addition to the Phillies bench, a serviceable backup for the infield, and create competition with Edmundo Sosa and Weston Wilson for a roster spot in April.
Prediction: 1 year / 7 million dollar contract.
1. Phillies trade for Seiya Suzuki
The last move that I am predicting for the Winter Meetings is for the Phillies to make a splash in the trade market.
Recent reports detail that the Chicago Cubs were looking to move on from outfielders Seiya Suzuki and Cody Bellinger. It is believed that the Cubs are looking to shed salary from their payroll. If that is the case, then acquiring Suzuki would be a great move for the Phillies.
Seiya hit .283 last season in Chicago with a .848 OPS and 21 home runs. He is a great right-handed bat and one that would fit the need the team has in left field. By adding Seiya, they could slide him into the 5th or 6th slot in their lineup. It strengthens their lineup, and while his defense is average at best, the playoffs showed the team’s need to add another bat.
In order to bring him to Philly, the Phillies would have to eat his entire salary. By doing so, I expect the return package to be light, since the price tag is coming with the player. Johan Rojas would be a logical option for Chicago. He can come off the bench and play any outfield spot for the Cubs. He is also a cheap option who could return to the minor leagues if needed. To sweeten the package, I expect the Phillies to add minor-league pitcher Griff McGarry to the deal. A pitcher with a live arm, Griff’s struggles with command have hurt his growth. A fresh start with a new team could be a win-win for both parties.
Prediction: Phillies receive OF Seiya Suzuki. Cubs receive OF Johan Rojas and RHP Griff McGarry.
Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
