The Phillies figure to sign one of the aforementioned. They have approximately $20 million (in average annual value) of payroll to spend. They have already traded away four chips from a deep pitching stable. Now it's time to spend money.

The Phillies have gotten creative in order to fill their voids in center field and third base, trading Vance Worley and Trevor May to acquire Ben Revere from the Minnesota Twins and getting Michael Young from the Texas Rangers at a reduced rate.

This creativity has afforded Philadelphia additional payroll space. Gelb believes the club will use this cash to ink one of the top available corner outfielders to add needed power to its roster.

The Phillies have long been connected to Ross, and “they are not said to fancy” Swisher, perhaps due to his price tag, according to Gelb. However, Hamilton represents “the white whale,” and Gelb believes Philadelphia could be one of the teams that offer him a short-term, high-value contract.