With free agency officially open, the Philadelphia Phillies are eyeing veteran options to upgrade their starting rotation. After a strong season in 2024, the Phillies are looking for that final push to reach the World Series. While the top of their rotation — Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, and Cristopher Sánchez — has been effective, the final two spots have been inconsistent, particularly the No. 5 starter position. Phillies’ president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, is now exploring the possibility of adding seasoned experience to bolster the rotation.
Phillies Could Target Max Scherzer or Justin Verlander
The Phillies’ roster needs align with a couple of big names rumored to be available: Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander. Both aging legends have storied careers and could help the Phillies maintain their competitive edge in 2025 while allowing top pitching prospect Andrew Painter extra time to develop following his Tommy John surgery. Scherzer and Verlander could bring stability and playoff experience to the Phillies’ rotation if Dombrowski opts for a short-term, high-impact addition.
What Scherzer and Verlander Bring to Philadelphia
Max Scherzer
Scherzer’s impressive track record includes eight All-Star selections, two World Series titles, and three Cy Young Awards. Though injury-laden in 2024, he has been remarkably durable over his career, known for his intensity on the mound and reliability. Last season, Scherzer’s numbers dipped due to back and shoulder issues, leading to a 2-4 record and a 3.95 ERA across nine starts with the Rangers. However, he is just two years removed from a stellar 2.29 ERA over 145 innings, and his presence could give the Phillies’ rotation a solid anchor in high-stakes games.
Justin Verlander
Verlander, at 41, is another potential target for the Phillies. Known for his endurance and impressive list of achievements, including a Rookie of the Year award, MVP title, nine All-Star nods, and three Cy Youngs, Verlander could still offer veteran depth despite a rocky 2024. His ERA rose to 5.48 in 17 starts with the Astros, and the veteran struggled with an increased walk rate and a higher-than-usual opponent batting average of .274. However, his performance in recent years, including a Cy Young-winning season just two years ago, shows he still has the capability to excel in the right environment.
Contract Outlook
The Phillies would likely be looking at one-year deals valued between $10-$15 million for either pitcher, a lower-risk option that could yield high dividends. Scherzer and Verlander, both desiring a shot at another championship, may find the Phillies’ recent success and strong roster appealing, making a short-term agreement mutually beneficial.
The Phillies’ potential addition of Scherzer or Verlander could provide the experience and depth needed to make a serious World Series push, offering these legendary arms the chance to finish their careers on a high note in Philadelphia.
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