PHILADELPHIA -- Agents Scott Boras and Dan Lozano woke up to good news on Friday.
Phillies managing partner John Middleton confirmed his organization's intentions to spend big money this offseason at the Owners' Meetings this week in Atlanta, telling USA Today Sports that "we're going into this expecting to spend money. And maybe even be a little bit stupid about it."
Middleton laughed, then added, "We just prefer not to be completely stupid."
The Phillies are focused on Bryce Harper, whom Boras represents, and Manny Machado, whom Lozano represents. Both could command contracts in excess of $300 million, but the Phillies have indicated they will only sign one of them, if they sign one at all. The Phillies also are interested in free-agent left-handers like Patrick Corbin and J.A. Happ, and closer Craig Kimbrel.
Essentially, if there is a free agent out there that could help the Phillies, they have talked to his agent. Bet on it.
"Matt is going to be a busy boy this winter," Middleton said, referring to Phillies general manager Matt Klentak.
"It's exciting to contemplate what we may be able to do this offseason. We know the free-agent class this year is really, really good."