Philadelphia Phillies: 3 Glaring Needs This Offseason

The Philadelphia Phillies surpassed everyone's expectations (except their own) by reaching the World Series and putting a scare into the Houston Astros. Now they've got a tough act to follow in 2023, and they head into the offseason with some questions to answer. 

A look at three glaring needs for the defending NL champs this offseason. 

Get Bryce Harper Fully Healthy

The two-time MVP and 7-time All-Star was limited to just 99 games this season with a bum elbow, just eight of those games in the outfield, the rest at DH. A full medical evaluation is needed on how to proceed with his elbow. It's a big decision.

Do they decide on a conservative approach of rest and a gradual ramp-up of throwing? Or do they just jump right in with surgery ASAP, with the hopes of having him ready very early in the season?

Clearly, nothing is more important to this Phillies team than the status of Bryce Harper. 

Land a Stud Shortstop

The $17M club option on Jose Segura is surely to be turned down this week, making a reunion with the 32-year-old infielder "unlikely" according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic. 

The ideal scenario here is to sign one of the big-name studs on the free agent market—Trea Turner, Carlos Correa, Xander Bogaerts or Dansby Swanson. 

Source: The Philadelphia Phillies will be in “heavy pursuit” of Free Agent SS, Trea Turner this offseason.

— Vin Thee Insider®️ (@vinfosh) November 7, 2022

“I imagine we are going to be the same team, but with some more pieces to make us that much better.”

Phillies are on Trea Turner watch. Video: @NBCSPhilly pic.twitter.com/feeSmT00QJ

— David Grzybowski (@DavidGrzyTV) November 6, 2022

Bolster the Bullpen/Back Of Rotation

Free agency will be claiming a huge chunk of these areas of the Phillies, with Noah Syndergaard, Zach Eflin, Kyle Gibson, Corey Knebel, Brad Hand, and David Robertson all hitting the open market. 

In particular, the relief corps, although it made some nice strides this season, will need to be addressed. A proven closer would be ideal. Although Edwin Diaz is off the market now, other options could include Kenley Jansen, Taylor Rogers, and Craig Kimbrel (if he's able to re-find his form after losing the job with the Dodgers this September).

Photo: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports