Free agent starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi is a lower cost Philadelphia Phillies free agent target they need to pursue. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
These three Philadelphia Phillies free agent targets can help the team take the next step and win the 2023 World Series.
The 2022 World Series is over. The Philadelphia Phillies, a surprise National League Pennant winner this year, fell to the Houston Astros on Saturday night. It was an impressive run through their own league. Until they were no-hit, it looked like they stood a chance.
The Phillies accomplished a lot this year. Unfortunately, there is no satisfaction in being the runner-up. There is much more heartbreak involved.
Up next for this organization is a trip into the offseason where they will look to get even better. Many doubted Philadelphia stood a chance in the playoffs due to their poorly assembled roster. In the World Series, we witnessed a lack of starting pitching and some cold nights on offense. It’s those two areas the Phillies must address. These three free agents can help them take the next step.
3
Nathan Eovaldi
Starting Pitcher 2022 Team: Boston Red Sox
Philadelphia Phillies free agent target: Nathan Eovaldi
Is Nathan Eovaldi the best free agent starting pitcher out there? Hardly. In a market featuring Jacob deGrom, Justin Verlander, and maybe a name or two also on this list, Eovaldi seems like a bit of a flat name for the Phillies to target.
Eovaldi went 6-3 for the Boston Red Sox this past season while posting a 3.87 ERA in 20 starts. A year earlier, however, he was fourth in the American League Cy Young race while making a league-best 32 starts.
Eovaldi is a tough pitcher with some big postseason innings under his belt. He’s 4-3 with a 3.14 ERA in 43 playoff innings as a starter and reliever. The only bad series he had was in the 2021 ALCS when the Astros, ironically enough, knocked him around. In two starts and a relief appearance, Eovaldi was 1-2 with a 6.97 ERA.
Having a third or fourth starter with playoff experience is a must for the 2023 Phillies. They just didn’t have enough depth in 2023.
The benefit of signing Eovaldi: he shouldn’t cost a ton. The Phillies can rebuild the roster in other areas, too.