The Philadelphia Phillies are one of many teams expected to be active this winter in free agency and in the trade market. Players like Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette, Pete Alonso, Munetaka Murakami, and plenty of others are top targets for the Phillies.
But the Phillies' chances of signing a player like Tucker, Alonso, or Bichette aren't as great as they might seem for a team with plans to spend big this winter.
Todd Zolecki of MLB.com revealed why the Phillies are not currently serious contenders for Tucker, Alonso, or Bichette. While not being in on those players is a bit disappointing, there's a good reason for their current lack of motion.
Phillies not expected to seriously pursue Kyle Tucker, Pete Alonso, or Bo Bichette in free agency
"The Phils have been mentioned as potential suitors for other big free agents like Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette, and Pete Alonso..." Zolecki writes, "but there are indications they could not seriously pursue those players, if they re-sign both Schwarber and Realmuto -- unless they clear payroll elsewhere."
This piece of information from Zolecki is bittersweet. It's a clear indication that the Phillies are prioritizing re-signing both JT Realmuto and Kyle Schwarber, but it also reveals that they aren't going to be in on outside free agents if both come back.
They could wind up trading Nick Castellanos and moving some money around to open the way for a big outside free agent, but as things stand now, it doesn't look likely.
More: Phillies linked to Pete Alonso as a Kyle Schwarber replacement
Philadelphia is trying to bring both Realmuto and Schwarber back, and if they do, that will likely be their last big moves this winter. They could sign cheaper options, but if they get both back, then their free agent target pool will be limited.
But, if one of Schwarber or Realmuto were to depart this winter, then the Phillies would be right back in the free agent markets of Tucker, Alonso, Bichette, and likely others as well.
The Phillies have clearly laid their priorities down this winter, with bringing Schwarber and Realmuto the top priorities by far. Until decisions are made on both, Dave Dombrowski and the Phillies won't be serious contenders for any other free agent.
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