The Philadelphia Phillies have been active in free agency but have yet to land a meaningful win. Philadelphia needs to make a flurry of moves in the final weeks of the offseason, not only to maintain its grip on the division but to establish legitimate hope it can compete with the behemoth that is the Los Angeles Dodgers.
With this in mind, there's plenty of time for the Phillies to add an extra hand or two before Opening Day. Here are four of the best free agents that Philadelphia can (and should) target as spring training approaches.
Phillies Have 4 Clear Free Agent Targets Remaining
1. Framber Valdez, LHP
Since the start of the 2021 season, Framber Valdez has won double-digit games each year and had an ERA under 4.00. These are two important traits that the middle of Philadelphia's rotation is lacking after losing Ranger Suarez to the Boston Red Sox in free agency. The Phillies badly need to add to a rotation that is anchored by Zack Wheeler and has an increasing question mark in Aaron Nola, who is coming off a career-worst 6.01 ERA in 2025.
Valdez offers a stabilizing force to the middle of the rotation and has postseason experience with the Houston Astros. He owns a 4.34 ERA in 17 postseason games, as well as a World Series ring. If the Phillies are searching for a reason to believe they can match up with the National League's top postseason rosters, this signing would be an instant qualifier.
2. Marcell Ozuna, OF/DH
This is an odd move to make, with Kyle Schwarber rostered and neither player being viable in left field. However, if the Phillies want a chance to compete with the Los Angeles Dodgers, it requires spending on depth pieces.
Marcell Ozuna can be a great option at designated hitter when Schwarber needs a day off and a constant presence off the bench as a power hitter. The three-time MLB All-Star's last season was forgettable, but that doesn't change the fact that he owns 123 home runs and 328 RBIs since the start of the 2022 season.
It makes sense for the Phillies to bring in Ozuna as incredible bench depth and a power source that can bolster the middle of the lineup, helping keep their primary DH healthy and avoiding unfavorable matchups.
3. Justin Verlander, RHP
Justin Verlander is a great insurance policy for the bottom of Philadelphia's rotation, bringing in a proven winner and experienced leader. While there may be nothing left in the tank for a player who will be 42 at the start of the 2026 season, it is worth a one-year deal to find out.
Signing Verlander throws another wildcard into the rotational mix and gives the franchise a chance to find a top-of-the-rotation arm without paying the price. The right-hander still produced a 3.85 ERA with the San Francisco Giants in the 2025 season and consistently gave the lineup a chance, suggesting value even in this advanced stage of his career.
4. Starling Marte, OF
Second to the rotation is a need to bring in outfield depth, and Starling Marte is an interesting potential fit. The former New York Met just slashed .270/.335/.410 in 93 games this season, tallying nine HRs, 34 RBIs, and seven stolen bases along the way.
It makes sense to bring in Marte on a potential bargain deal to compete for starts and offer the veteran a chance to haunt his old team, helping the Phillies maintain control of the National League East.
It wasn't long ago that the veteran was hitting over .300 and a consistent threat to get on base as a starter. Although Marte is 37, it wouldn't be the first time an aging hitter has had a resurgence. The Phillies could be the perfect team to give him that opportunity, especially since Marte owns an absurd .375/.433/.591 slash line with 66 hits, six HRs, 26 RBIs, and 11 walks in 176 career at-bats at Citizens Bank Park.