Philadelphia Phillies Should Have Their Eyes On This Soon to Be Free Agent

The Philadelphia Phillies are in good shape this season. They sit with a firm grasp on the first National League Wild Card spot, the lineup is starting to produce, and for the most part the rotation appears to be pretty solid. 

But it's never too early to look at what they could hope to improve upon come the 2024 MLB season.

Pitching is the main area they will need to reinforce. 

Starter Aaron Nola may no longer be with the team, a stark reality the front office will have to come to terms with. He has electric stuff, is durable and can produce Cy Young worthy seasons.

He also has his lows. 

Whether or not the team pursues him in free agency should not dissuade them from pursuing another starting pitcher like Los Angeles Dodgers ace Julio Urias.

At 27 years old, Urias is younger than Nola, has fantastic stuff and other than a rather odd 2023 season, has been phenomenal.

The Mexican national holds a career 3.11 ERA with a 1.105 WHIP, a strong candidate to lead the rotation and at worst slot in behind Zack Wheeler who is quietly putting together a dangerous season this year.

A six-year, $145 million contract would be a fair offer for Urias, how that compares to what Nola was offered for an extension this past winter is unknown. What we do know is that negotiations broke down and the two sides allowed Nola to enter his walk year without a deal.

Never a great sign.

As such, another high-end arm must be at the top of Philadelphia's list this winter. It's their two aces who have kept them in the race for a pennant these past two runs. 

Ensuring that trend continues is of paramount importance.