Phillies Named Landing Spot For Freddy Peralta This Offseason

The Philadelphia Phillies are entering a crucial offseason following another early playoff exit this year.

Philadelphia stumbled into the playoffs as the final wild-card team in the National League following a poor September stretch. The Phillies then fell short in three games to the rival Atlanta Braves, ending their season.

As the team comes into the offseason, something has to change regarding the roster construction. The core group is still very talented, but they are on the older side, and it's become clear that they can't get the job done.

Philadelphia's front office has never been shy about making big splash moves in the past, and this could take place again this offseason. But with the impending lockout coming, the Phillies could look to stand pat until the financial implications of any signing is laid out clearly.

However, if the Phillies want to take another gamble, right-hander Freddy Peralta of the Tampa Bay Rays could make sense for the team. Peralta was named a potential candidate for the Phillies in a recent article by Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report.

While the Phillies have a strong rotation already, with multiple players signing for big money, the unit could always use another arm. Peralta is one of the better names available this offseason on the open market, and he could serve the team well.

The Phillies aren't sure what they will get from right-hander Andrew Painter next season, even with him putting together a nice run late in the year. Adding Peralta could help bolster the unit, giving this team another arm for the long season.

According to MLB insider Robert Murray of FanSided, Peralta is expected to command a contract over $100 million this winter. Philadelphia may not want to pay this price, but adding a two-time All-Star like Peralta could make sense.

Zach Wheeler and Aaron Nola are both getting older, with Nola having a very up-and-down season a year ago. Peralta could offer the Phillies a reliable piece for the rotation to help take some of the burden off other guys.

All in all, Philadelphia going after Peralta seems pretty unlikely, but given how this team has operated in the past, nothing can be ruled out. The right-hander should have a strong market after a good playoff run with the Rays this year, and the Phillies may be in the sweepstakes for his services this offseason.