Phillies predicted to add All-Star to rotation for Zack Wheeler reason after missing out on Bo Bichette

Missing out on Bo Bichette was a tough loss to the Philadelphia Phillies’ offseason plans, and they even made that known after it happened. There’s also reason to believe the Phillies could use another arm, which some have suggested.

Christopher Kline of FanSided recently predicted that the Phillies would turn to veteran right-hander Chris Bassitt as a short-term solution, especially with uncertainty surrounding Zack Wheeler’s health.

“Whiffing on Bo Bichette set the Philadelphia Phillies back a lot,” Kline wrote. “There is no clear path to a major lineup upgrade at this point, meaning Dave Dombrowski probably turns his attention to fine-tuning the rotation. Philadelphia needs someone to eat innings while Zack Wheeler rehabs his elbow. Bassitt, 36, has made his reputation on durability. He still misses barrels with a healthy mix of off-speed pitches, and he can move into a bullpen role if such a need arises, too.”

Bassitt has built his career on getting outs at the highest level and has been available a ton in recent years.

For a team with World Series hopes, innings matter, especially while Wheeler works his way back. The Phillies also lost Ranger Suarez and given how big Wheeler’s injury is, there’s no guarantee that he’ll come back and do what he usually does.

I also like how Kline mentioned a bullpen role. Even if that were to happen in the playoffs, there’s always value in having a veteran arm like Bassitt ready to go.

More Phillies news:

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• Phillies predicted to sign $63M veteran All-Star with World Series experience linked to Braves
• Phillies' Aaron Nola makes big World Baseball Classic decision, but not for Team USA
• Bo Bichette comments exhibit clear hypocrisy after choosing Mets over Blue Jays, Phillies
• Phillies fans have apparently been pronouncing Ranger Suarez's name wrong this whole time