Phillies' 2022 GDT #117: 08/19/22 Mets(76-43) @ Phillies(65-52) - 7:05pm

[BelmontShore]

You can't count on Eflin. He has a $15m option with a $150K buyout. I have to believe that he'll be a free agent
Gibson is also a free agent

I don't see them spending big on a free agent with 2 (hopeful) studs on the way
I don't see the Phils letting a pitcher with just a few AA starts go north with them. Mid season -definitely

I'm certainly not counting on Eflin, not after this season. His knee is chronic. That doesn't lend well to reliability.

Gibson will be re-signed at a club friendly deal. I can't see him wanting to leave, I don't think the Phillies will find a better alternative as a middle of the rotation starter.

If you're trading Nola, you get a major league ready arm coming back. There have been ST invites for players like Painter around the league. It's good to get them that early exposure. Then, it's up to them. Other teams give those young arms a chance and find success. I feel the Phillies wait longer than other franchises, perhaps too long. Sometimes, what you don't know serves you well.

Youth is always an inspiration to the veterans. Thomson playing the kids regularly has been a part of their resurgence since firing Girardi.

[Christopher]

The point is that I don't want to give Nola a long-term extension. That won't be great use of money. He's a soft #2 at this point.
They'll have to get creative. No, I don't think you can have the kids in 2023, but certainly in 2024.
Try to get a starter back in the Nola trade, then add one more free agent, and add that to Wheeler/Suarez/Gibson for 2023.
If/when it looks like they can do damage in the 2023 playoffs, make a midseason trade.