In a stunning turn of events, two of MLB’s biggest stars have reportedly rejected substantial contract offers from the Philadelphia Phillies. The deals, which would have made them among the highest-paid players at their positions, were turned down due to disagreements over contract structure and team fit.
Kirby, a rising ace from the Seattle Mariners, and Olson, the Atlanta Braves’ power-hitting first baseman, were key targets for the Phillies as they sought to bolster their roster following a disappointing 2024 postseason. Both players, however, cited concerns about Philadelphia’s long-term competitiveness and payroll strategy as factors in their decisions.
The Phillies had hoped to land Olson with a deal worth over $200 million, adding his powerful bat to their lineup. Similarly, they pitched a lucrative extension to Kirby, banking on his ability to anchor their rotation for years to come. Despite these offers, both players opted to explore other opportunities, signaling that money alone wasn’t enough to sway their decisions.
Team insiders suggest that the Phillies’ ongoing financial commitments to other players, coupled with an uncertain roster composition, may have raised red flags for the veterans. The rejections leave Philadelphia with significant questions as they head into the offseason still searching for game-changing additions.
This development also highlights the increasingly competitive nature of the MLB free-agent and trade markets, with players prioritizing both financial and team-based considerations. For now, the Phillies will need to regroup and pivot to other targets to strengthen their roster for 2025.
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