Juan Soto and Phillies relievers highlight Winter Meetings start – NBC Sports Philadelphia

Last year at baseball’s Winter Meetings, the Phillies made a big move by agreeing to a $300 million contract with Trea Turner in San Diego.

A year later in Nashville, any major action from the Phillies would come as a mild surprise. Before Thanksgiving, they signed Aaron Nola to a seven-year, $172 million contract, addressing a top offseason priority to fill the void in their rotation.

While the re-signing of a long-time player like Nola may not generate as much excitement as bringing in a new star, it could potentially be the Phillies’ “big move” for this offseason. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski expressed confidence in the team, saying that it could contend for the World Series in 2024, but also emphasized the need for improved plate selection and pitch chasing.

Interestingly, the trade market has seen strong interest in Juan Soto, a player known for controlling plate appearances. Soto is expected to earn over $30 million in the 2024 season and has received attention from teams like the Yankees, Blue Jays, and Padres.

Although just 25 years old, Soto is already a standout player, and any potential trade for him would likely involve significant prospects from the Phillies. Moreover, the cost of his next contract could be a deciding factor, as it may be one of baseball’s biggest deals yet.

Adding to the complexity is Soto’s defensive ability and the looming question of how many years he is away from being a designated hitter. But despite the challenges, the Phillies still see the potential of Soto providing a massive offensive boost and changing the personality of their lineup.

Reliever market

The Phillies are also in need of back-end relief help, especially after losing Craig Kimbrel to free agency. With the top free-agent reliever, Josh Hader, potentially commanding a hefty contract, the Phillies are exploring other options in the market.

Given the limited number of relievers available, the Phillies may need to consider alternative methods, such as trades, to address their relief needs. Discussions during the Winter Meetings could lead to potential solutions for the team’s bullpen situation.