Report: Phillies will be top suitor for Gray if they don’t retain Nola

The Philadelphia Phillies appear to have a backup plan in case they don’t re-sign starting pitcher Aaron Nola.

Philadelphia is interested in free-agent right-hander Sonny Gray and will be a top suitor if Nola isn’t retained, sources told MLB Network’s Jon Morosi.

Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said in late October that he hoped to re-sign Nola, who enters free agency as one of the top arms available.

“We love him,” Dombrowski said. “He’s been tremendous for the franchise, he’s pitched very well for a number of years. He’s a Phillie. We hope to retain him.”

Gray had one of the finest seasons of his career last season. The 34-year-old was named an American League Cy Young finalist after logging an MLB-leading 2.84 FIP and 0.4 HR/9 during 184 innings for the Minnesota Twins.

At present, the Phillies’ starting rotation next season would feature ace Zack Wheeler, Ranger Suárez, Taijuan Walker, Cristopher Sánchez, and the newly acquired Josh Fleming.