3 Lefties Phillies Should Target to Balance Rotation After Zack Wheeler Signing

The Philadelphia Phillies shocked the MLB landscape on Wednesday when it was announced that they signed free agent hurler Zack Wheeler to a five-year contract worth a whopping $118 million, lapping the field and outbidding everyone but the White Sox.

Though Wheeler certainly improves a rotation that was middling at best in 2019, general manager Matt Klentak still has work to do in order to balance it out.

Let's highlight a few left-handers still on the market that the Phils could sign to do just that.

3. Dallas Keuchel

Keuchel won't be keen on becoming the poster boy of this year's free agent carousel, and we predict he won't wait eternally this time around. After signing with the Braves in June, Keuchel, though unspectacular, proved to be a viable piece in Atlanta's rotation as he compiled a 3.75 ERA in 19 starts.The southpaw hurler will turn 32 in January, which will only help the Phillies' case in bringing him in on the cheap to help balance out their rotation.

2. Hyun-Jin Ryu

It's certainly hard to argue against a pitcher in Ryu who hoisted the NL ERA crown in 2019 with a 2.32 mark the year after logged a 1.97 ERA in 15 starts. The left-handed vet turns 33 before 2020, but should still see a solid payday this winter, and the Phillies should absolutely do whatever it takes to lure him away from other potential suitors.

1. Wade Miley

Miley's value isn't going to get any lower than it currently is, as his struggles down the stretch run of the 2019 season ultimately forced the Astros to leave him off their playoff roster. However, we're still talking about a pitcher who has amassed a 19-8 record with a 3.52 ERA in 49 starts the last two seasons. The 33-year-old southpaw shouldn't command anything more than a two-year deal, and the Phillies would be wise to pounce.