Did the Philadelphia Phillies do enough this offseason?

Entering the 2020 MLB season, we’ll take a brief look at the Philadelphia Phillies offseason moves, and if they did enough to go deep in playoffs.

Let’s play ball! … well, almost.

On February 7th, the Philadelphia Phillies equipment truck was packed with baseballs, caps, cleats, and more as it started its 1,070-mile journey to Clearwater, FL. That following Wednesday, pitchers and catchers had their first workout, followed by a full-squad workout on February 17th – thus kicking-off the start of a new baseball season.

As Phillies fans emerge from hibernation, there’s one question on everyone’s mind: Did the Phillies do enough this offseason to improve?

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In an interview via NBC Sports Philadelphia, Bryce Harper mentioned that his wife, Kayla Harper, even asked if the Phillies did enough this offseason to compete in the division. In which, Bryce responded with “I believe we did.”

The Phillies offseason moves began on October 10, 2019 with the firing of manager Gabe Kapler. In the beginning, the 2019 season was intriguing with the addition of Bryce Harper, Andrew McCutchen, Jean Segura, and J.T. Realmuto, but after finishing fourth in the NL East with a record of 81-81, it was time to say goodbye to Kapler. Thus a few weeks later, the Phillies engaged in the signing of a three-year contract for the former New York Yankee, Joe Girardi. Certainly, Girardi has quite the resume, as Klentak agreed to bringing him on to the team by saying, “Now that our team is where it is, it’s time to win. No questions asked, it’s time to win. That lends itself to bring in the guy who has done that.” And in his press conference, he seemed to have said all the right things, but maybe the bar is set too low since the former manager was questioned about “Gabe’s coconut oils.”

Jump ahead to December, where the Phillies signed FA Zack Wheeler to a five-year deal. The former New York Met finished the 2019 season strong, where he recorded 11 victories, eight losses, a 3.96 ERA, and an fWAR of 4.1 – making him one of the best pitchers in baseball during 2019. Fans questioned the $118 million price tag, but let’s be honest, the Phillies needed a pitcher. And rather than wait for Gerrit Cole or Stephen Strasburg, the Phillies hoped to strike gold with Wheeler. If the Phillies were able to clone four more Aaron Nola’s, they would, but for now, it’s a step in the right direction, placing Wheeler as the solid number two spot behind him.

Sticking with the New York theme, in December, the Phillies signed SS Didi Gregorius to a one-year deal. Returning from Tommy John’s surgery to a limited campaign in 2019, Gregorius struggled to produce consistently at the plate. He played 82 games and finished the 2019 season with a .238 avg, 16 HRs, and 61 RBIs. Obviously, this a bounce-back season for Gregorius and the Phillies were able to address a hole in their infield by signing a top-ten short-stop. If he stays healthy and produces like he did pre-surgery, fans will hope to see him back in 2021.

Prior to the start of the 2019 season, Phillies owner John Middleton stated the Phillies are willing to spend “stupid money” – speculate the Bryce Harper contract as you please. Fast forward to February 2020, and Andy MacPhail stated the Phillies are expecting to pay the luxury tax this season. With all of this being said, it plays into the rumors that were swirling around the team this offseason; Will Kris Bryant be in a Phillies’ uniform before the trade deadline? Can the front office and J.T. Realmuto come to terms on a contract extension? What can we expect from Jake Arrieta, and do the Phillies need another pitcher?

However, the front office decides to spend the money will be entertaining at its least.

Heading into the 2020 season, MLB Power Rankings has the Phillies cracking the top ten, and their odds to win the World Series are 18/1. But hopes and expectations are high in the City of Brotherly Love – we’ve added new talent and a new mindset to the locker room. It’s time to win. And to win big.

The Philadelphia Phillies will open the 2020 season with a four-game stint in Miami starting March 26th. And the following week they’ll play their home opener against the Milwaukee Brewers Thursday, April 2nd.

Next. Jake Arrieta won’t be reliable in 2020. dark

So Philly, decide what you like about the Phillies offseason moves, but in the interim, here’s to the start of a hopefully noteworthy 2020 season. Enjoy the remainder of Spring Training, get your Phanatic headbands ready, and we’ll see you soon at the Bank.

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