The Philadelphia Phillies, per Matt Gelb of The Athletic, have suggested to relevant parties during any contract discussions that while they are individually interested in both Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, they don’t plan to sign both 26-year-old superstars. That may be because general manager Matt Klentak and president Andy MacPhail don’t believe the best way to build a championship team is to tie $60-$75 million annually in two players. It may also be because they want to save a significant chunk of money for another major investment in the future.
Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports suggests that the latter may be the case, saying the Phillies may have their eyes on seven-time All-Star Mike Trout, who can become a free-agent after 2020:
Regardless who they sign this winter, Phillies will make a big play for Mike Trout in 2 years — provided he hasn’t signed an extension, of course.