MLB Rumors: Yankees, Phillies Or Nationals Expected To Sign Patrick Corbin Soon

It might not be long before we have our first major free-agent signing of the 2018-2019 MLB offseason. While Bryce Harper and Manny Machado are taking their time weighing their options, Patrick Corbin is expected to make a decision regarding his future sometime soon.

It’s reportedly a three-team race for Corbin. The left-hander met with the Philadelphia Phillies, Washington Nationals and New York Yankees last week. It’s possible that an outside team could enter the fray, but one of those clubs will likely land the best pitcher on the market in the coming days.

Corbin, 29, will almost certainly get the most lucrative contract of any available pitcher. He could sign a five or six-year deal worth more than $20 million per season.

Philadelphia might be willing to give Corbin his biggest offer since the team is seemingly ready to outspend everyone this winter. The Phillies are reportedly making plays for Corbin, Harper and Machado.

New York looked like the favorite to sign Corbin when the offseason began because the pitcher grew up in New York and is from a family of Yankee fans. The Yankees won 18 more games than the Nationals last season and finished 20 games ahead of the Phillies in the overall MLB standings.

Washington could be the favorites to win the NL East next year if they sign Corbin. The Nationals have a chance to re-sign Harper and pair Corbin with Max Scherzer in the rotation.

Finishing fifth in the 2018 NL Cy Young voting, Corbin was the best pitcher on a staff that included Zack Greinke. He posted a 3.15 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP with 246 strikeouts in 200 innings for the Arizona Diamondbacks last season.

Corbin went 14-13 with a 4.03 ERA and a 1.42 ERA in 2017. He was an All-Star with a 3.41 ERA in 208.1 innings in 2013.