Report: Phillies interested in Bumgarner

Add the Philadelphia Phillies to the growing list of teams eyeing free-agent pitcher Madison Bumgarner.

The Phillies are interested in Bumgarner and are likely motivated to keep him away from the division-rival Atlanta Braves, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Signing the four-time All-Star would provide a big boost for a Philadelphia team that finished 23rd in pitching WAR last season.

Bumgarner, 30, has posted a career 3.13 ERA across 11 seasons - all with the San Francisco Giants. He was also named the 2014 World Series MVP.

For their part, the Braves are reportedly making the left-hander a priority in free agency. Bumgarner's hometown of Hickory, North Carolina, is 257 miles away from Atlanta.

Additionally, the New York Yankees have confirmed they plan to speak with Bumgarner, and the San Diego Padres are rumored to be meeting with the pitcher's agent at the ongoing GM meetings in Arizona.