The Phillies were not shy the last several winters about their offseason plans. They had stupid money to spend and they spent it, committing more than $700 million to free agents over the last three offseasons.
But it is not as certain this offseason if the Phillies will again be free spenders. And it's not just because Matt Klentak is no longer the general manager.
The Phillies have been cutting costs slashing their scouting department and they are offering buyouts to full-time employees before they are expected to announce layoffs in November.
They do not seem to be in a rush to hire a replacement for Klentak — who was reassigned instead of dismissed — and managing partner John Middleton did not sound like an owner with a burning desire to throw money at free agents after a season played in front of empty seats.
"Can you tell me what the governor and the mayor of Philadelphia are going to allow us to have next year in the way of fans? Because if you do, you know something that I don't," Middleton said in early October about how the team's offseason plans hinged on fans returning to Citizens Bank Park. "So I have no idea what we're going to be allowed. Obviously, that will determine our revenues, and revenues determine what you can do and what you can't do."
J.T. Realmuto and Didi Gregorius are both free agents and it's hard to gauge if the Phillies will be able to bring back either one or even what the market will look like for them this winter. Commissioner Rob Manfed said the 30 teams combined this season for $3 billion in operational losses, so the Phillies won't be the only team tightening its budget.
And the free-agency market, which already seemed to move slower each offseason, will likely be hit hard. But the Phillies still have a team to field for 2021 and there are free agents available to help. They could use a starting pitcher, an everyday centerfielder, and help in the bullpen.
The free-agent market opens Monday. Here's a look at some of the players from other teams who should entice the Phillies if they're willing to spend.
