Philadelphia Phillies left off list of Shohei Ohtani suitors

The Phillies have plenty of questions to answer this offseason as they look for ways to improve their roster.

One thing it seems they won't do is be a player of the top free agent prize, Shohei Ohtani. ESPN's Alden Gonzalez listed 10 teams that will be interested in Ohtani's services, with the Phillies not being one of them.

While the Phillies aren't on the list, these 10 teams are, the Angels and Dodgers, Texas, Seattle, Boston, Yankees and Mets, Cubs, Giants, and Blue Jays.

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It doesn't mean the Phillies can't sneak in there, but paying Ohtani at the very least $500 million seems to be unrealistic with their current starting nine all signed to return next season. Add in that Ohtani won't pitch in 2024 and is really only a DH, and the fit just doesn't seem to be there for Philadelphia.

There is one way that it could happen.

If the Phillies were to move Kyle Schwarber, who has two years left on his deal, that would open a spot for Ohtani to be an everyday DH.

Something to consider if you are adding the best player of his generation.

The Phillies have proven a willingness to spend big, so would they think outside the box to add a player like Ohtani, by moving a popular player like Schwarber?

Doubtful.