Phillies’ Top Executive Expresses Desire to Retain 30YO Star, Willing to Explore Other Options Amidst Stalled Negotiations

Red October ended earlier than expected. But despite the loss in NLDS Game 7 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Philadelphia Phillies are keeping their eyes on the bright 2024 season. The person in charge, Dave Dombrowski, is focused on getting the best chances for the team to win regularly. And the doors of the Citizens Bank Park are always open for the brightest stars. But what will winter bring for the Phillies?

Now that the trade market is open the chances of re-signing players might get dim. Many clubs want the top players from the Phillies with mammoth contracts. Will Philadelphia lose their key players? 

The Aaron Nola dilemma

In a recent interview on MLB Network, the Phillies’ president of baseball operations expressed his unconditional love for a player wearing red and white. As the right-hander is hitting free agency, Dave Dombrowski remains open for a reunion. But whose addition to the Phils club will make the rotation more powerful?

Dombrowski when asked about the status of the negotiation with Aaron Nola said, “We would love to have him back…If we don’t sign Aaron, we’re going to have to be open to trying to acquire somebody else. If we bring him back our rotation is set.” Nola has been with the club since day one and has historically done tremendously on the mound. Still, now that the pitcher has 29 other options, it doesn’t get any easier to re-sign with the Phillies.

The president continued, “But I do think there is at least mutual interest in both parties in trying to get something done and hopefully for us, we can get it done”. 

While the Phillies remain engaged in contract discussions with Nola, there are several clubs showing interest in the player with massive offers. As per the reports, the pitcher will reject the Phillies’ offer of $20.235 million, as there are chances he might line up to get a paycheck over $200 million.

However, it still seems unclear whether the Phillies can set their rotation with Aaron Nola in it or they have to acquire a different talent. This season didn’t favor Nola, but the right-hander is still a primary target for many. 

Nola’s performance shifts and trade suitors

Even though the 30-year-old came off fourth place in the NL Cy Young Award voting in 2022, Nola had a down season before his free agency. The Phillies’ pitcher’s ERA had jumped by more than a run from 3.24 to 4.46. Another stat, FIP increased from 2.58 to 4.03, which goes on to show that this just wasn’t the year of Aaron Nola. However, the pitcher has spent his entire career with the Phils with back-to-back strong games and he played well in every postseason.

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Even with bad stats, reports say that many clubs, including the St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, and Texas Rangers may want Nola on their roster. Interestingly, many GMs predict that the pitcher will be signing with the World Series Champions. 

Aaron Nola remains a hot target for clubs, with the Phillies also aiming to secure his return. Ultimately, the decision lies in the hands of the player, which team he decides to call home.

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