During the Philadelphia Phillies historic regular season, any talk of the upcoming offseason centered on resigning Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Madson, and potential improvements in left field and to the team’s bench.
However, that was before the Phillies exited the playoffs following their Game 5 loss in the NLDS to the St. Louis Cardinals.
And it was also before Ryan Howard injured his Achilles tendon on the final play of the game.
Now following comments by general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. and manager Charlie Manuel, the Phillies’ offseason priorities have changed since the July non-waiver trade deadline.
In addition to attempting to re-sign Jimmy Rollins, the Phillies have also stated that the starting left field position will be up for grabs, and that the team will look to bring in a free agent should Madson sign elsewhere, rather than using a current member of the bullpen in the closer’s role.
The Phillies also received news that Howard’s recovery time may continue into spring training, and possibly even the regular season.
Third base may be a position that is upgraded this offseason, as well.
After winning 102 games during the regular season, the Phillies now enter the offseason with a chance to find the right players to add to a roster with World Series expectations.
Here are five players who the Phillies may attempt to acquire.