The World Series is approaching fast, and the energy is just palpable. On one side, the New York Yankees, despite not having Aaron Judge’s full input, are moving ahead, and on the other, the LA Dodgers are scooting ahead and just won Game 3 against the New York Mets. Fans are thrilled that after four decades, we could finally see a Yankee vs. Dodgers matchup. However, among all the excitement and energy, there is another talk that just won’t leave everyone’s lips.

It is the free agency of Juan Soto; the Yankee star has been a treat to watch, a perfect partner to Judge. And one of the most valuable players to go to free agency. Many teams are interested in Soto, even if his projected rate is $500 million. Except for one team – the Philadelphia Phillies, who might have left the chat before free agency itself -this is what Jim Salisbury thinks. And he has reasons that justify and back his theories too.

The Phillies might pump the brakes on Juan Soto

The New York Yankees had much to gain by having Soto in their mix, so they would want him back. But so do several other teams like the Mets, Blue Jays, and Nationals. But it seems like the Phillies may have pumped the brakes on the situation. At least, that’s the meaning one can take out of Dave Dombrowski’s talks. “I don’t necessarily think that the answer is always a star player,” said the baseball operations President of the Phillies on their off-season plans. For him, a star slugger is not a necessity.

However, it might just be a situation where it’s not that Juan Soto is unwanted, but the fact that the Phillies cannot budget it out for him. Recently, Jim Salisbury talked about it in the podcast and he pointed out that it’s hard to imagine the Phillies going for Soto. “With two $300,000,000 players already, one who’s signed for nine more years and one who’s signed for seven more years… I just don’t see it happening,” said Jim Salisbury at The Phillies Show.

His indications highlighted that because the Phillies have two big stars like Bryce Harper and Trea Turner, shelling out a $500 million deal might not be possible. While Juan Soto sure would have been a star addition to any team, for the team, it just seems like too much of a financial burden. Moreover, high-budget teams like the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants are also ready to make a move.

Could Tyler O’Neill be the Phillies’ answer this off-season?

Now Dave Dombrowski hinted this week that the Philadelphia Phillies might not chase after all-stars like Juan Soto. And well, they truthfully do have enough stars like any other team! According to the baseball operations president, the team is working on the payroll, and this could indicate that while nine-figure deals might not be on the books, they will not sit out on getting newer talents this off-season.

The name that’s been floating around for joining the Phillies is Tyler O’Neill. The slugging right-hander has been phenomenal this season and hit a whopping 31 home runs for the Boston Red Sox. Plus, he is about to hit free agency too. And he has power—exactly what the Phillies need to solidify their outfield. Recently, Christopher Kline from the FanSided suggested that O’Neill would be perfect for the Phillies.

According to Kline, Tyler O’Neill’s power against left-handed pitching is what could complement the outfield. Moreover, O’Neill is 30 and is projected to land a possible five-year deal with $90 million in contract – way more manageable than Soto with a $500 million contract. Plus, while injuries have been a concern, O’Neill’s year has been solid, with an OPS of.847.

So, do you think the Phillies will add a star like Juan Soto and are just not jinxing by saying it right now? Or will they go for a safe option with O’Neill? Let us know in the comments.