Section 215
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Philadelphia Phillies taking “quantity over quality” approach to their rotation

By David Esser

Mar 11, 2020; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Chase Anderson (22) delivers a pitch during the second inning of a game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Baltimore Orioles at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Mary Holt-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2020; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Chase Anderson (22) delivers a pitch during the second inning of a game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Baltimore Orioles at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Mary Holt-USA TODAY Sports /
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Heading into the 2021 offseason, the Philadelphia Phillies needed to find a way to add some starting pitching depth. It was an underrated, and often overlooked need when it came to what the media/fans routinely discussed, as the conversation surrounding J.T. Realmuto and Didi Gregorius dominated the majority of the offseason.

However, with Realmuto and Gregorius now locked in for the 2021 season, the Phillies front office was able to turn their attention towards addressing the starting staff. Considering the fact that guys like Vince Velasquez and David Hale were forced to make key starts for the Phils down the stretch in 2020, this was definitely an area of the roster that needed some approving.

The team has three reliable starters at the top of their rotation in Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler, and Zach Eflin, but the arms beyond that were looking less than ideal.

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While Dave Dombrowski didn’t go out and splash on any big-name starters this offseason, what he did do was acquire an abundance of depth. He signed both Matt Moore and Chase Anderson to one-year contracts, while also retaining the likes of Vince Velasquez. Throw in Spencer Howard as well, and that’s at least four arms that could potentially line up as #4 or #5 starters.

The Philadelphia Phillies are prioritizing depth in their starting rotation.

The Phillies also landed a few minor-league arms that could start some games here or there – we’ll get to them later.

The philosophy of “quantity over quality” is a risky one when it comes to starting pitching, but if the Phillies low-risk signings pan out, they could genuinely have a rotation that runs six deep.

Here’s an in-depth look at each of the arms that could end up fleshing out the back of the Phillies rotation, starting first with recently acquired right-hander Chase Anderson:

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