Lefty-hungry Phillies turn attention to J.A. Happ and others after Patrick Corbin picks Nationals

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The Phillies did not get Patrick Corbin, but they will still see plenty of him.

The free-agent left-hander will sign with the Washington Nationals, according to the Washington Post and several other sources. The deal, which is contingent on a physical exam, is for six years and $140 million, according to reports.

The Phillies hosted Corbin and his wife at Citizens Bank Park last week and subsequently made offers to the pitcher, according to sources. The Phillies are reluctant to give lengthy contracts to pitchers and likely had serious reservations about going to six years for Corbin, who turns 30 in July and has Tommy John surgery in his past.

Corbin had previously been with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Now that he is in the National League East, he will see the Phillies 19 times per season. Corbin joins three-time Cy Young winner Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg in a formidable Washington rotation.

The Phillies would still like to add a lefty to their starting rotation and remain interested in a reunion with J.A. Happ. Happ was drafted by the Phillies in 2004, debuted with the club in 2007 and was traded for Roy Oswalt in 2010. Happ, who split last season between the Blue Jays and Yankees, turned 36 in October. The Yankees, who were also in pursuit of Corbin, are interested in bringing back Happ so there is competition for his services.

Other lefties that intrigue the Phils include Yusei Kikuchi, who is about to come over from Japan. The Phillies have scouted Kikuchi and they like him. However, there are indications that Kikuchi may prefer to pitch for a West Coast team.

On the trade front, the Phillies would have interest in acquiring Robbie Ray from Arizona.

An investment like Corbin probably signals that the Nationals are moving on from Bryce Harper, who is seeking the richest deal in the history of the game.

The Phillies have interest in Harper but, at the moment, are prioritizing Manny Machado.

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