As they search for ways to strengthen their roster this summer, the Phillies have a lot of questions to address.

They don’t appear to want to play for Shohei Ohtani, the top free agent available. The Phillies were not among the ten teams that ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez named as being interested in Ohtani’s services.

These ten teams are the Angels and Dodgers, Texas, Seattle, Boston, Yankees and Mets, Cubs, Giants, and Blue Jays; the Phillies are not included in the list.

Get our mobile app for free.

Put your mobile number here.

Though the Phillies’ current starting nine are all signed to return for the upcoming season, it doesn’t seem reasonable to pay Ohtani at least $500 million. When you consider that Ohtani is essentially a DH and won’t pitch in 2024, Philadelphia doesn’t seem to be a good fit for him.

There is only one possible scenario.

Ohtani might become the Phillies’ everyday designated hitter if Kyle Schwarber—who still has two years left on his contract—were to be moved.

If you are adding the finest player of his generation, keep this in mind.

Would the Phillies consider going against the grain to get a guy like Ohtani by dealing for a well-liked player like Schwarber? They have shown a willingness to spend heavily.

In doubt.