Could Dodgers benefit from Phillies’ recent offseason pivot with Zack Wheeler?

The Philadelphia Phillies may not have gotten in the Los Angeles Dodgers' way this offseason, but that doesn't mean the opportunity still isn't there for them to capitalize. LA has had its way so far with various blockbuster deals, but the Phils have been a major player in both markets ever since Dave Dombrowski took over.

Many wondered if Dombrowski and Co. would've been serious contenders for Yoshinobu Yamamoto, but the Dodgers escaped victorious. Others pondered if the Phillies would be a logical landing spot for Tyler Glasnow, but LA jumped the line again.

And now after the biggest dominos have fallen, there's still speculation about the Phillies being involved on the remaining major names in free agency and on the trade market. Though they haven't been directly linked (then again, not many other teams have been), it has to be assumed Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery and Josh Hader are in the periphery, as are potential trade targets Dylan Cease, Shane Bieber and (maybe) Corbin Burnes.

Or, at least it might've been assumed before the most recent report out of Philly dropped. Right before Christmas, it was revealed the Phillies were prioritizing an extension with Zack Wheeler, who's set to hit free agency after 2024.

Could Dodgers benefit from Phillies’ recent offseason pivot with Zack Wheeler?

Maybe that's Dombrowski expressing the free agent market isn't all that appealing, and he'd rather spend money to shore up an in-house asset? If that's indeed the case, the could free up a lane for the Dodgers to chase Jordan Montgomery and/or Josh Hader with less competition.

As for the trade market, the Dodgers have the upper hand there even after the Glasnow deal. LA's farm system ranks perennially higher than Philly's, even when it's slightly depleted.

It's unclear what the Dodgers' next move will be, but Hader and Montomgery have been speculated upon, as has Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase. Snell's market almost feels nonexistent outside of a brief mention of the Giants and Angels.

Wheeler potentially getting extended would definitely affect the Dodgers in free agency next year, but that's hardly even a thought right now. If LA can get all their desired moves done before 2024 Opening Day, that'll suffice.

And if the Phillies are out of the way taking care of business of their own? All the better.