Philadelphia Phillies Among Top Teams Linked to Ohtani

The Philadelphia Phillies could be big winners this winter. Despite a losing record of 25-28 to start the 2023 MLB season, the Phillies should not be sellers at the MLB trade deadline.

In fact, they could once again be active in the coming offseason. To the tune of a $500 million contract. 

ESPN has linked Philadelphia to Shohei Ohtani, the sport's greatest player in generations. It's not as far fetched as it sounds. 

Ohtani is one of the best pitchers in the game, regularly drawing Cy Young award votes. He is also one of the nest sluggers in the game, so a $500 million contract isn't all that far-fetched. 

If the Phillies allow Aaron Nola to walk, along with Rhys Hoskins coming off of the books, an Ohtani deal could be plausible. 

Owner John Middleton said after the NLCS that he was willing to do anything to ensure Philadelphia was able to win and compete for a World Series. Signing Ohtani goes a long way in ensuring that success and keeping that promise. 

Still, ESPN ranks Philadelphia in the top nine teams to acquire Ohtani but gives them the slimmest of chances. 

Perhaps a turn around in performance would go a long way in helping improve those chances. 

A player like Ohtani is franchise changing. Middleton and Dave Dombrowski going after such a player is not unfathomable. 

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