With MLB owners and players agreeing to a long-overdue collective bargaining agreement Thursday to end the 99-day lockout, the Phillies are scheduled to begin Grapefruit League play next Friday against the Tigers.
For the Phils to be one of the six National League teams to qualify for the 2022 playoffs, they’re going to have to come up with some solid answers to these spring training storylines between now and the April 8 season opener against the visiting Athletics.
How much cap space is there?
With the luxury tax threshold set at $230 million, the Phillies would have about $49 million remaining once they agree to contracts with their key arbitration players such as first baseman Rhys Hoskins and starter Zach Eflin. While that number would drop quickly if they sign a big-money free agent like Kyle Schwarber or Kris Bryant, the $20 million increase from the 2021 figure gives president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski some much-needed extra room for maneuvering, even if ownership chooses to again avoid paying the tax.
Who can they get to fill OF holes?
Though not an especially good defensive left fielder, the 29-year-old Schwarber would fill multiple offensive needs because he’s a power bat (32 home runs last season with the Red Sox) capable of hitting leadoff or in the middle of the lineup.
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The 30-year-old Bryant is a longtime friend of fellow Las Vegas native Bryce Harper. They played together growing up and Harper even used Bryant’s bat during a game last July.
Bryant is a four-time all-star selection who earned the National League MVP award in 2016 as a Cub (Harper won it last year). Bryant has played 678 of his 884 career games at third base, with another 159 in left field. Though he’s had some injuries, Bryant would add some pop to the batting order.
As for center field, Dombrowski probably can’t secure another high-profile player if it takes more than $20 million per season to land Bryant or perhaps just under $20 million a year for Schwarber. He might have to be creative here or hope Matt Vierling can do a competent job since Mickey Moniak has shown he’s not the answer and Adam Haseley is running out of chances.
What is the impact of a universal DH?
If returning first baseman Hoskins, who isn’t especially good in the field, becomes the designated hitter, there’s nobody obvious to take over that spot. Alec Bohm could be a candidate at first in the wake of his forgettable second MLB season at third base and the plate, though he’s also a work in progress at first, or perhaps the DH.
What about shortstop or third base?
Dombrowski could choose from youngster Bryson Stott and fading veteran Didi Gregorius at shortstop with other more pressing positions. As for third base, Bohm could get another shot if Bryant signs elsewhere. Former Brave Johan Camargo might be considered at either spot.
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Do they need another starter?
Even if Eflin is ready to join ace Zac Wheeler, Aaron Nola and Kyle Gibson in the rotation by the start of the year after September season-ending knee surgery, the Phillies could be short one starter. Venezuelan Ranger Suarez, who excelled as a starter, closer and setup guy in 2021, doesn’t have his work visa and will be late reporting to spring training. He probably won’t be ready for the first few series.
The Phils have games scheduled for the first 13 days of the regular season, so they’re going to need five pitchers twice during that span. Perhaps young right-hander Hans Crouse, acquired in the July trade for Spencer Howard that also brought Gibson, could fill in temporarily.
On the bright side, Vince Velasquez is no longer an option.
How about the bullpen?
This is also a consistent area of need for the Phillies. Even if projected veteran closer Corey Knebel, who signed for one year and $10 million, proves to be an upgrade from Ian Kennedy and Hector Neris, can hard-throwing Jose Alvarez, Sam Coonrod and Connor Brogdon handle seventh- and eighth-inning duties? And what about Seranthony Dominguez, who pitched a total of one MLB inning since a July 2020 Tommy John surgery?
The Phils could use another reasonably priced arm or two to bolster the ‘pen depth.
Tom Moore: tmoore@couriertimes.com; @TomMoorePhilly
