Last week free agent left-handed reliever Patrick Corbin did an East Coast tour.  In a few days' time, Corbin visited the Philadelphia Phillies, Washington Nationals, and New York Yankees, in that order.  However, those teams might not have a particular advantage compared to the Phillies.


Of course, "Speculation" does not necessarily mean anything in itself. But according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Phillies are letting teams know they will not be outbid:

So if it comes down to money, the Phillies might have trouble losing.

One danger is that rival teams could help bid up the price to keep the Phillies from signing others.

Alternatives to Corbin include former Phillies pitcher J.A. Happ and Dallas Keuchel, though the Phillies have not been linked to either player.  Perhaps that is because the Phillies are keen on winning this Corbin sweepstakes.  Should they fail to sign Corbin, expect the Phillies to be looking for a lefty elsewhere.

Nightengale previously reported that the deal will be at least six years and be for at least $125 million.  Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports reported that the decision is to be expected soon.  So, the Phillies could potentially head to next week's winter meetings with a starter in tow.  If not, they may then look for one.

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