Phillies owner ready to spend: 'Maybe even be a little bit stupid about it'

The Philadelphia Phillies are prepared to loosen the purse strings this winter.

"We're going into this expecting to spend money," team president John Middleton told Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY. "And maybe even be a little bit stupid about it. We just prefer not to be completely stupid."

The Phillies are rumored to be interested in all three of the top free agents on the market: outfielder Bryce Harper, shortstop Manny Machado, and starter Patrick Corbin, with several rival executives believing the club could sign two of the trio. All three are expected to entertain nine-figure overtures, with Harper and Machado potentially looking at record-breaking deals.

When asked about the possibility of spending upwards of $700 million on two of the top free agents, Middleton stayed mum.

"I don't know who you're referring to," the Phillies owner said. "But we will be spending."

Philadelphia currently has $68.9 million in guaranteed payroll heading into the 2019 season, a lower total than the division rival Washington Nationals and New York Mets.