As the offseason comes to an end and camps prepare to open in Florida and Arizona, the Phillies continue to search for an experienced arm to bolster the starting rotation.
According to a source, they've been aggressive in their pursuit of a veteran arm, though there's no indication that they're nearing the finish line.
Philadelphia has been making a push for a starter, the source said, though a second source indicated that nothing is close. Then again, in this bizarre offseason, anything remains possible.
As for the potential names in question, it seems more likely that the Phillies would sign an experienced starter to a one- or two-year deal than commit to a lengthy contract. That would seemingly take Jacob Arrieta, Lance Lynn and Alex Cobb out of the conversation.
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"It's likely a short-term, one-year kind of thing," the first source said.
Andrew Cashner, who has garnered recent interest from the Blue Jays, among other teams, could be a name to watch, though the right-hander could be holding out for a multi-year pact.
Other pitchers possibly on the Phillies' radar include righty Chris Tillman and left-handers Jaime Garcia and Jason Vargas.
The Phillies' young rotation currently features Jerad Eickhoff (27), Aaron Nola (24), Nick Pivetta (25) and Vince Velasquez (25). If they're unable to add an arm between now and Opening Day, Ben Lively is the favorite to emerge as the No. 5 starter, though Zach Eflin, Jake Thompson, Mark Leiter Jr. and Tom Eshelman would also be candidates for the spot.