MLB trade rumours: Philadelphia Phillies to pursue Anthony Rendon

Philadelphia Phillies are on a trading spree. After securing signing of Zack Wheeler, Phillies are set to pursue free-nt Anthony Rendon. If move goes through, Rendon will be following footsteps of former Washington Nationals teammate Bryce Harper, who signed a 13-year $330 million deal with Phillies.

Also Read: MLB Trade Rumours: Zack Wheeler, Philadelphia Phillies Agree To 5-year Deal

MLB trade rumours: Philadelphia Phillies keen on signing Anthony Rendon

Anthony Rendon is expected to demand a contract that pays close to what compatriot lan Arenado received last spring. Colorado Rockies signed an eight-year, $260 million extension with third baseman lan Arenado. deal might be shorter but is likely to pay Rendon close to at least $35 million a year. Josh Donaldson is potential replacement if Phillies fail to land Rendon. Donaldson is likely to command a three or four-year deal, paying him over $25 million a season. Philadelphia Phillies are also keeping tabs on Didi Gregorius.

Also Read: MLB Trade Rumours: Washington Nationals Likely To Lose Stephen Strasburg & Anthony Rendon

MLB trade rumours: Phillies continue to be aggressive despite luxury tax concerns 

Philadelphia Phillies signed Zach Wheeler to a five-year $118 million contract earlier this week, and signing Rendon would likely vault m into luxury tax. According to Nightengale, ir owner John Middleton's aggressiveness in free ncy has t been discourd by that fact. On Thursday, Nationals owner Mark Lerner explained how team couldn't afford to bring back both Rendon and Stephen Strasburg. Phillies have also had reported interest in Strasburg to add to ir rotation but admitted that it would be difficult to add both Rendon and Strasburg to ir roster.

Also Read: MLB Trade Rumours: Houston Astros, Red Sox Rule Trade Buzz Ahead Of MLB Winter Meetings

MLB trade rumours: Philadelphia Phillies to pursue Donaldson if Rendon move falls through

If Rendon signs elsewhere, Philadelphia Phillies’ backup plan of Josh Donaldson would pit m against Washington Nationals once again. Nationals are reportedly eyeing Donaldson if y don't bring back Anthony Rendon.  acquisition of Anthony Rendon would t only provide Phillies with a power-hitting bat in middle of ir lineup, allowing Philadelphia Phillies to move Scott Kingery to centre field or a super-value role but take him away from World Series champion Nationals. deal could also give m flexibility to trade Jean Segura or touted infield prospect Alec Bohm for pitching help.

Also Read: MLB Trade Rumours: New York Yankees Consider Gerrit Cole, Stephen Strasburg Move