Philadelphia’s Winter Meetings goals.

The Philadelphia Phillies could still be in the mix for Yoshinobu Yamamoto

After signing Aaron Nola to a seven-year $172 million contract, the Philadelphia Phillies could be done making moves for their rotation. However, reports now indicate that the Phillies will continue to pursue star talent if it’s going to make them better.

Of the top available free agent arms, Yoshinobu Yamamoto is regarded as the best. The 25-year-old from Japan is believed to have a chance to be one of the better arms in Major League Baseball once he enters the Big Leagues. In the 2023 season, Yamamoto posted a 1.21 ERA and struck out 169 hitters in 164 innings in the NBL.

Todd Zolecki of MLB.com previewed Philadelphia’s Winter Meetings goals. He noted that the team isn’t out of the race when it comes to Yamamoto.

“The Phillies’ rotation is arguably set with Zack Wheeler, Nola, Ranger Suárez, Walker and Cristopher Sánchez, although it could use at least another starter to boost their depth,” writes Zolecki.

“Sources have told MLB.com that Nola’s deal does not preclude the Phils from pursuing a frontline starter like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, although there are many reasons why it will not happen. Most importantly, the Phillies would have to clear considerable payroll elsewhere to make room for a contract that could exceed $200 million.”

As Zolecki noted, the Phillies would have to figure out payroll issues that would arise if they landed Yamamoto. As the front office has proven throughout the past few offseason, they have no issue spending money. That won’t change if they can land an ace-caliber arm in Yoshinobu.

But he would make the Phillies the most formidable in all of baseball.