Last season, the Phillies were prepared to spend 'stupid money' in free agency, and they did, landing star rightfielder Bryce Harper for 13-years and $330 million.

While they might not use the term 'stupid money' again, they might just be prepared to open the wallet up again to bring in the biggest free agent on the market this offseason.

“I’m predicting Gerrit Cole to the Phillies,” MLB insider Ken Rosenthal said this week on MLB Network’s MLB Now.

The 29-year old 2019 Cy Young runner-up posted a 2.50 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 326 K's over 212 1/3 innings.

"He’s going to go to the team that offers him the most money and the Phillies last year offered Bryce Harper the most money," Rosenthal added.

"They spread it out over 13 years, and that’s how they got Bryce Harper.”

So is it as simple as the team that offers the most money will get Cole's services? We're about to find out, but keep in mind he is a Scott Boras client.  Boras also represents Harper, and worked out the deal between the two sides last offseason.

So would adding Cole to the top of the rotation with Aaron Nola be enough for the Phillies to reach the playoffs?

The team has plenty of holes to fill, but starting pitching is at the top of the list. However, the money it would take to bring in Cole might effect their ability to fix other areas of need.

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