At the MLB general managers meetings in Las Vegas, the Philadelphia Phillies find themselves at a crossroads with an aging, high-salary core, while the New York Mets are actively pursuing left-hander Tarik Skubal to bolster a rotation that posted a 4.47 ERA in 2026.
Phillies' Aging Core and Payroll Concerns
Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski acknowledged the team's projected $247 million payroll for 2027, with approximately $164 million committed to players aged 34 or older, including Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and Zack Wheeler. Wheeler will be 37, while Harper and Schwarber enter their age-34 seasons. Shortstop Trea Turner and pitcher Aaron Nola, both turning 34 in June, account for an additional $51.8 million combined.
"We have a lot of high-end salary players, and they're not young, they're not old, but they're in that age bracket that you have to make a decision," Dombrowski said. He identified needs for an outfielder, right-handed hitting, a utility infielder, and bullpen depth, but cautioned that addressing all areas may be difficult due to cost. Seiya Suzuki remains on the Phillies' shortlist of free-agent options, and owner John Middleton has signaled willingness to spend for the right opportunity. Dombrowski also highlighted infield prospect Aidan Miller, 22, as a potential contributor, especially given Turner's struggles at shortstop in 2026.
Mets Target Skubal to Anchor Rotation
The Mets, coming off a 74-88 season that left them last in the NL East, are expected to meet with Skubal next week. The Los Angeles Dodgers are also in contact with the left-hander, who is widely viewed as the top free-agent pitcher available. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns emphasized the importance of a complete rotation capable of succeeding in the postseason, noting the team's openness to various construction methods.
Skubal would provide New York with an ace of the caliber it has lacked since Jacob deGrom. However, the Mets also need pitching depth after trading Freddy Peralta to the Rays and Clay Holmes to the Cubs at the 2026 deadline, with both now free agents. Veterans Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea are set to reach free agency after the 2027 season. Stearns indicated the club will evaluate each pitcher on a case-by-case basis, with owner Steve Cohen's financial resources a potential factor in any long-term deal.
