The offseason for the Philadelphia Phillies has officially begun, with free agency opening up and trades back on the table. Following their exit from the National League Division Series, the team aims to be proactive throughout the winter.
However, it won’t be easy, as Philadelphia already has one of the highest payrolls in Major League Baseball. This could complicate their efforts to acquire new players, but the Phillies have little choice but to keep investing.
They are fully committed or not at all, so there’s a strong likelihood they will opt to spend on players and see where that leads.
This doesn’t mean the Phillies need to aim for a $300 million offseason. While that would be fantastic, it isn’t realistic. It’s not impossible, but it seems unlikely for now.
There will be alternatives they can explore without overspending. One option is Shane Bieber, a right-handed pitcher who was once considered one of the top five to ten pitchers globally.
Bieber’s track record is complicated due to recent injuries, but when he’s healthy and at his best, he can still be a formidable talent.
After having Tommy John surgery just two starts into the season, his potential contract situation could become complicated. Consequently, R.J. Anderson of CBS Sports suggests he may seek a one-year “prove-it” deal to re-establish his market value for the 2025-26 offseason.
“Think of Bieber as this class’s Tyler Mahle. (Except, you know, far more famous and accomplished). Bieber had Tommy John surgery in April, ending his 2024 season after just two appearances and likely postponing his 2025 return until May or June. This comparison to Mahle is relevant; in the past, rehabbing pitchers often settled for one-year contracts. The Rangers demonstrated a willingness to offer Mahle two years at $22 million. However, Bieber may prefer a one-year deal to aim for a larger contract next offseason. If he follows Mahle’s path, we believe he’ll surpass that $11 million annual average value.”
It wouldn’t be unexpected for Bieber to receive a prove-it deal with a contender, which could be advantageous for both parties.
For the Phillies, he would be an ideal one-year prove-it candidate. If everything aligns as it could, Philadelphia’s rotation would become the best in baseball.
He’s a former Cy Young Award winner for a reason, and that shouldn’t be overlooked.