When discussing the Philadelphia Phillies and their offseason this year, it has to be remembered they are already expected to pay the highest payroll in team history.
While this certainly doesn't concern fans, it's good context to keep in mind when thinking about why Aaron Nola has been the only major addition this winter, unlike in years past.
Owner John Middleton has not been shy about spending and has signed off on Dave Dombrowski putting together an expensive, but championship-made roster.
After getting eliminated in the NLCS round last season, many expected the ultra-aggressive Dombrowski to attack free agency once again and erase any holes that might be present.
That has not happened.
Yet.
Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reported that the Phillies are interested in adding a star pitcher on a short-term contract.
"Philadelphia would take left-hander Jordan Montgomery on a one- to two-year deal, but he isn’t ready to sign for that," he writes.
Adding the big lefty would certainly boost the profile of their starting unit that is already considered one of the best in baseball.
Jordan Montgomery just put together his best season in the league after posting an ERA of 3.20 across 30 starts with the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers.
He would also bring championship pedigree to Philadelphia's clubhouse after playing a major part in winning it with the Rangers in 2023.
A short-term deal would make a ton of sense for the Phillies.
Go all in right now and give this group the best possible chance at winning a World Series, without overinvesting resources.
For all the attention that the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves routinely receive, it's been Philadelphia who has reached the Fall Classic and NLCS in back-to-back seasons.
But, it takes two to tango, and it doesn't seem like Montgomery and his agent Scott Boras are interested in something for two years or less.
Cody Bellinger, another Boras client, took a short-term deal last winter with the Chicago Cubs, and even though he had a sensational season that won him Comeback Player of the Year, the market hasn't developed into him landing a lucrative contract.
Boras likely takes that into account here.
So, the Phillies have to hope Montgomery changes his tune, and is comfortable playing on a shorter deal than initially expected, if they want to add the left-hander in 2024.
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