MLB rumors: Phillies could trigger wave of signings by pitchers | Nathan Eovaldi, Patrick Corbin, J.A. Happ, more

Several quality pitchers are available in MLB free agency, including Boston Red Sox right-hander Nathan Eovaldi, Arizona Diamondbacks left-hander Patrick Corbin, Houston Astros left-hander Dallas Keuchel and New York Yankees left-hander J.A. Happ. But right now, everyone is waiting to see where sluggers Bryce Harper and Manny Machado will sign.

MLB teams shopping for starting pitching have some options on the trade market, including Cleveland Indians ace Corey Kluber and Arizona Diamondbacks ace Zack Greinke.

But the free agent market remains flooded with quality arms, including Nathan Eovaldi, Patrick Corbin, and J.A. Happ.

Free agency is pretty quiet right now. It seems most everyone is waiting to see where Bryce Harper and Manny Machado will sign, since their nine-figure contracts will set the market.

Ranking 9 starting pitcing options

But MLB.com’s Jon Morosi says the Phillies aren’t content to wait for the big sluggers to sign, and could end up starting a run on free-agent pitchers.

The Phillies aren’t waiting on decisions from Harper and Machado as the team ambitiously pursues upgrades to its roster, people in the industry told MLB.com Monday. In fact, the sources said it’s possible the Phillies will sign multiple free agents before Harper or Machado agree to terms.

In practice, that approach means the Phillies could sign a starting pitcher, closer and an outfielder who costs less than Harper. Sources say the Phillies have interest in starters Patrick Corbin, Nathan Eovaldiand J.A. Happ; closers Craig Kimbrel and Zach Britton; and outfielders Michael Brantley and A.J. Pollock, among other free agents.

The Phillies carried payrolls in excess of $170 million during multiple seasons earlier this decade. They have less than $70 million committed to players for 2019. That leaves general manager Matt Klentak with ample capacity to add multiple big-name free agents this offseason.

“This is a franchise that’s carried big payrolls for a lot of years,” Klentak told MLB.com during the General Managers Meetings earlier this month. “It’s no secret to you, or to me, or to the fans, or to the agents. Everybody knows that. It’s always been a matter of when — and not if — the Phillies were going to spend again.”

Mike Rosenstein may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @rosenstein73. Find NJ.com on Facebook.