The Philadelphia Phillies are heading into an uncertain winter, with the possibility of losing some key pieces from their roster. The core group that has been lighting up the field for years is at risk of being split up. Main contributors like Max Kepler, Kyle Schwarber, JT Realmuto, and Ranger Suarez are all set to become free agents. Many believe this winter could mark the end of an era.
“I think this is the end of an era. I would anticipate some major changes ahead for the Phillies,” ESPN SportsCenter’s Kevin Negandhi posted.
The Phillies recently experienced one of the worst endings to a playoff game ever. Reliever Orion Kerkering lost control of a ball hit back to him and launched it into the backstop, sending Dodger Stadium into pandemonium.
As the Phillies head into a crucial offseason, if Schwarber or Kepler aren’t brought back, they could go all-in on Cody Bellinger.
“Philadelphia has to do something in the outfield grass. Bellinger could start at any of the three outfield positions for the Phillies, providing a sharp fielder to an outfield group that’s shuffling year after year. If Schwarber leaves Philadelphia, Bellinger is as good as any outfielder the Phillies could bring in on the open market. Bellinger’s potential arrival would give them the chance to use Nick Castellanos as the designated hitter,” Fox Sports wrote.
Bellinger will be entering free agency after opting out of his contract on Friday.
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“As expected, New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger plans to opt out of his contract and become a free agent next month, a source told ESPN. Bellinger, 30, has a $25 million player option for next season. After a rebound season in his first year in pinstripes, he presumably will receive widespread interest in free agency — it should yield a lucrative multi-year contract,” ESPN’s Jorge Castillo wrote.
Bellinger would be a significant pickup for the Phillies, potentially helping defensively by pushing Castellanos out of the lineup. While he may not have Schwarber’s bat, he is an upgrade defensively.
The Phillies are facing a major offseason, and Bellinger could be a big part of it. This promises to be an interesting winter for both Bellinger and the Phillies.
