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The dream Philadelphia Phillies starting rotation for the 2023 season

By Tim Boyle

HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 05: Zack Wheeler #45 of the Philadelphia Phillies delivers a pitch against the Houston Astros during the first inning in Game Six of the 2022 World Series at Minute Maid Park on November 05, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 05: Zack Wheeler #45 of the Philadelphia Phillies delivers a pitch against the Houston Astros during the first inning in Game Six of the 2022 World Series at Minute Maid Park on November 05, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia Phillies
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 29: Carlos Rodon #16 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the Colorado Rockies in the top of the six inning at Oracle Park on September 29, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

The dream Phillies starting rotation has Carlos Rodón as the number two

There’s more to like about Carlos Rodón than all of the trash-talking we’d hope he would have to say about San Francisco Giants skipper Gabe Kapler. The lefty turns 30 in December and is already one of the most sought-after free-agent pitchers available.

Rodón is a lot like Wheeler. He developed later after some injuries and weaker performances early in his career. The Phillies would be wise to look at him on a longer-term deal considering the state of the rotation as soon as 2024.

The competition to sign Rodón is immense. The handful of clubs looking at Jacob deGrom and/or Justin Verlander can easily pivot toward Rodón instead. Those two veterans aren’t in our dream Phillies rotation. We’re looking for some more permanency. Someone like our next starter knows a thing about sticking around.

The dream Phillies starting rotation features Aaron Nola in the number three slot

Zack Wheeler to Carlos Rodón to Aaron Nola. Is your mouth watering yet? The righty-lefty-righty mix is perfect for those who enjoy a nice split in the rotation.

Nola had another fantastic season for Philadelphia in 2022. Although the 11-13 record wasn’t ideal, he did it with a 3.25 ERA and 205 innings of work. He turns 30 next year and is already guaranteed to come back. The front office picked up the $16 million option on him for 2023. They should already start thinking about keeping him around longer.

The dream Phillies rotation cannot exist minus Nola. He has been a mainstay with them since his debut in 2015. This season will be huge for him. In our dream rotation, he goes out and puts up great numbers yet again.

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