Phillies Predicted to Sign Land $75M Star This Offseason

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

Philadelphia was bounced out in the National League wild-card series, and now the team has some big questions to answer. Philadelphia has to make some changes to the roster, and the team has already been looking at different players to add.

One name that was linked to the Phillies is veteran catcher Ryan Jeffers, who was with the Minnesota Twins last season. Jeffers is easily the best catcher available on the open market, and he could be in line for a nice payday this offseason.

Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors has predicted that the Phillies will land Jeffers this offseason, with a contract projection of four years, $75 million. Jeffers going to Philadelphia would be interesting in itself, but the fit could make sense.

Last season, Jeffers was on the verge of a full breakout performance before his year was interrupted by injury. But the veteran did manage to put together a nice season for the Twins nonetheless.

Overall, Jeffers hit .256/.353/.461 with popping 14 homers, 19 doubles, and 56 RBIs, while posting an OPS of .814. Jeffers could thrive hitting next to the other players in the Phillies lineup, and the Twins may not retain him.

While the Phillies don't need a catcher, with J.T. Realmuto on the roster, it could be time for a change. Realmuto is now 35 years old, and he hasn't performed up to par for this team of late.

Jeffers is younger than Realmuto, with him not turning 30 until the middle of next season. Oftentimes, catchers of this magnitude don't hit the open market at this age, and the Phillies may jump at the change to sign him.

Switching him for Jeffers could add more life to the lineup, especially due to the patience that the Twins star has at the plate. Over his career, Jeffers has done well hitting left-handed pitching, but this past season, he started to mash against right-handers as well.

The Phillies could use this in the lineup, adding more pop and overall production next to the star players. Jeffers isn't as strong of a defensive catcher, but he has done well to work on his framing over the years.

Overall, if the Phillies want to make some roster upgrades without completely changing the team, this could be a way. Jeffers could be a nice addition, but whether the Phillies actually spend this offseason remains to be seen.