While the Phillies negotiate with a free-agent bat, some competitors for that slugging infielder also believe they must secure a top-tier rotation arm, but general manager Matt Klentak will probably have a financial edge.

Second choices:

For the Philadelphia Phillies, they have the dollars to also add a top left-handed starter to slot between Aaron Nola and Jake Arrieta. However, the other hurlers behind them did improve, but the execs might want those three to compete for the bottom two spots.

IN OTHER WORDS “Our careers aren’t paths so much as landscapes that are navigated. We’re free agents, entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs — each with our own unique brand.” – Keith Ferrazzi

Considering solid starters, many franchises will have interest, rumored or active. But the difference in the annual price range between free-agent arms and bats is $10 million to $18 million for the top starters and $30 million to $40 million for the best hitters.

On the other hand, some organizations bidding on Manny Machado and/or Bryce Harper are also considering the moundsmen atop the market to strengthen their five-man staffs. But while the red pinstripes can acquire one of each, other clubs might decide between one or the other. A toss-up?

As for the starters, the Phils will probably have considerable interest because the top three are portsiders. But although the pipeline has two left-handed prospects with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, one needs more seasoning, and the other won’t require roster protection until after next season.

Beginning at the top, Dallas Keuchel of the Houston Astros is a solid two-slot hurler, and the team has the payroll space to re-sign the lefty. But will they? Meantime, Patrick Corbin is available, and the Arizona Diamondbacks are reportedly at their financial limit.

One level down, southpaw Hyun-Jin Ryu of the Los Angeles Dodgers is a solid mid-rotation arm when he’s healthy. And right-hander Trevor Cahill of the Oakland A’s is another possibility after going 7-4 for 110 innings with a 3.76 ERA over 20 starts. Unfortunately, many others are roughly 35 years of age.

Regarding the hometown nine, they aren’t signing aging studs like Cole Hamels. No, if they pick up a free agent for the starting staff, they will ink a younger portsider.