The Philadelphia Phillies have their sights set on making another run at the World Series in 2023.
After losing to the Houston Astros in this past fall classic, the Phillies are reloading their roster.
On Monday they signed one of the best free-agent hitters available, shortstop Trea Turner.
It is clear the Phillies are going all-in, but are they the favorites heading into 2023?
The answer is not yet, but they are close.
If the Phillies can add some more pitching (both starters and relievers) in free agency they can become favorites.
#Phillies' focus will now shift to the pitching market, specifically mid-rotation starters and back-end relievers. They need to replace the combined 411 innings thrown by Eflin, Gibson, Syndergaard, Knebel, Hand, Robertson. Some, but obviously not all, will come internally.
— Scott Lauber (@ScottLauber) December 5, 2022
The Astros pitching staff is still better than the Phillies as is the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Plus, both of those teams have potent lineups just like Philadelphia.
So for now the Dodgers and Astros should both have better odds than the Phillies.
Who Else Should The Phillies Add?
The Phillies should not be happy with just signing Trea Turner.
They have built most of their roster through free agency and they must continue doing that.
Some of the names they should target are Carlos Rodon, Jameson Taillon, Nathan Eovaldi, and Chris Bassitt.
The Jameson Taillon market is deep, but sources tab the Mets, Phillies, Cubs and Orioles among the teams to watch.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 5, 2022
All of those players would be improvements in their starting rotation, giving the Phillies four quality starters.
Then in the bullpen, the Phillies should be looking to add Kenley Jansen, Chad Green, and, Michael Fulmer.
Any bullpen arms are welcome for a Phillies team that had to rely on the same 2-3 pitchers this past postseason.
Overall, the Phillies are off to a great start this offseason, but more work is needed to be done to enter the season as favorites.
NEXT: Phillies Make It Clear They Are Committed To Winning For A Decade
