Philadelphia Phillies: 3 best free agent additions after the lockout ends
By Tim Boyle
The MLB lockout has put any dreams of seeing the Philadelphia Phillies add talent to their roster on hold. When will it end? When will we finally be able to look outside and realize baseball is on its way?
Once the lockout does end, the Phillies have some work to do. They went into the pause on transactions with Corey Knebel as the biggest acquisition.
Hopefully only the start of a few more additions, these are the three best moves the Phillies can make once the lockout comes to an end.
The Philadelphia Phillies really need to sign Kris Bryant.
Kris Bryant to the Phillies has been something fans have wanted to see for a couple of years. Even before his buddy Bryce Harper joined the organization, Bryant seemed like an answer for the club at third base. With Harper actually here and his heels dug in for a very long time, it only makes sense for the front office to go out and bring his good friend to the City of Brotherly Love.
Bryant casts a rather wide free agent market thanks in part to his ability to play multiple positions. Although primarily a third baseman, Bryant has seen significant action in the outfield as well. It’s an asset for any free agent to have in marketing himself. On the Phillies, if they decide to move forward with Alec Bohm remaining at third base, Bryant could always (at least temporarily) fill in as their everyday left fielder.
Coming off of a bit of a down season split between the Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants, Bryant is one of those guys we can expect to get back to where he was in recent prior seasons. He has still averaged 31 home runs and 89 RBI per 162 games in his career to go with his .278/.376/.504 slash line.
Some people may fear he’s on the decline and not worth the price. His flexibility in the field and the likely addition of a DH to the National League makes him a risk worth taking.