With under two months until spring training, the Philadelphia Phillies still have ample time to decide on their No. 5 starting pitcher in the rotation.
Zack Wheeler will start the year on the injured list, recovering from surgery to remove a blood clot in his right shoulder. Ranger Suarez appears likely to depart in free agency. The Phillies' top four starters could consist of Cristopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzardo, Aaron Nola, and Taijuan Walker.
To fill the fifth spot, Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter predicts the Phillies will sign future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer. The three-time Cy Young Award winner turns 42 in July but seems determined to continue his playing career. Scherzer made 17 starts in 2025 with the Toronto Blue Jays, posting a 5.19 ERA while dealing with right thumb and back injuries.
"Stretching out Brad Keller is one possibility after he was signed to a two-year, $22 million deal last month, while top prospect Andrew Painter will also get a long look this spring," wrote Reuter. "However, this could be the perfect landing spot for Max Scherzer as he chases another title in the late stages of his Hall of Fame career."
The Phillies' internal options
Depending on his performance during the spring, Painter can become a strong candidate to complete the back end of the Phillies' rotation. He is Philadelphia's No. 1-ranked prospect on MLB Pipeline despite struggles last season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
If Painter opens the year back at Triple-A, a one-year deal with Scherzer makes sense. However, the Phillies could also consider Keller, who was primarily a starter during his time with the Kansas City Royals from 2018-23.
Outside of Scherzer, additional mid-tier options the Phillies could consider are Nick Martinez, Zack Littell, Lucas Giolito, and a reunion with Michael Lorenzen.
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