The Philadelphia Phillies were eliminated from the playoffs in the NLDS by the Los Angeles Dodgers, and they must now look ahead to the summer to see what they can improve.
Fansided’s Wynston Wilcox believes they would want additional pitching, considering Cristopher Sanchez is now the only great pitcher they have. Wilcox believes that the Phillies will be a preferred destination for AL Cy Young and Triple Crown winner Tarik Skubal.
“Philadelphia’s season ended far sooner than intended, and they now have to find out how long their championship window will remain. I’m not sure whether Skubal directly extends their window, but having an ace like Skubal in the beginning rotation provides some security for one of the hottest offenses around,” Wilcox noted.
Skubal concluded this season with a 2.21 ERA, 13-6 record, 241 strikeouts, and a WHIP of 0.841 in 195 innings thrown. When combined with Sanchez, who is already an All-Star, the Phillies might have one of the National League’s most frightening 1-2 punches.
The only problem is that the Phillies will most likely be more concerned on retaining Kyle Schwarber this winter, allowing other suitors to approach the Detroit Tigers about trade offers for Skubal.
Hopefully, the Phillies can achieve both and put themselves in the driver’s seat for the National League.