updated 2:04 p.m. ET Nov. 8, 2008

The world champion Philadelphia Phillies are emerging as a leading suitor for Colorado Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday, according to an online report.

SI.com reported Thursday that the Phillies have been one of the most aggressive clubs in pursuit of Holliday, who is available because the Rockies believe they can't afford to keep him after the 2009 season.

Holliday reportedly rejected a Colorado contract that would have paid him a maximum of $85 million over five years. He can become a free agent after '09.

Baseball sources told SI.com that Philadelphia has enough young talent to make a deal with the Rockies, namely catcher Lou Marson, shortstop Jason Donald and pitcher Carlos Carrasco.

Holliday's production slipped slightly in 2008; he batted .321 but had just 25 home runs and 88 RBIs in 139 games. He had 36 homers and 137 RBIs in leading the Rockies the National League wild card in 2007.

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