Philadelphia Phillies Keep Jeremy Hellickson At Deadline

With the price that teams throughout baseball were paying for starting pitching, it seemed inevitable that the Philadelphia Phillies would trade Jeremy Hellickson. Instead, the deadline has passed, and he remains in the City of Brotherly Love.

It appeared to be the perfect time to trade Jeremy Hellickson. Set to be a free agent at the end of the year, he had found his form with the Philadelphia Phillies, posting a 3.70 ERA and a 1.150 WHiP, his best marks since 2012. He had taken the ball each time through the rotation, leading the National League in starts. For teams needing a solid middle of the rotation piece, Hellickson was a strong target.

Naturally, that led to his name being included in virtually every trade rumor if a team needed pitching. Even if he was not the type of pitcher to be a game changer and ensure a successful run through the playoffs, he would certainly be in demand. The Phillies should have been able to capitalize upon that seller’s market, and help move up the timeline for their rebuild.

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Instead, the deadline has passed, and Hellickson remains in Philadelphia. Considering some of the pieces moved over the past day or two for decidedly middling arms, one has to wonder what the Phillies were asking in return for Hellickson. Yes, Hellickson is questionable to make his next start with a bruise on his right hand, but is that really enough to have teams shy away from the righty? After all, Rich Hill has pitched a grand total of 12 innings since May 29th, and the A’s still received quite a haul for the lefty and Josh Reddick.

Perhaps the Phillies simply never received what they considered proper compensation, as their asking price was reported to be a top five prospect to headline a deal. Or, perhaps the Phillies have the mindset that Hellickson is worth the qualifying offer, taking a chance that he will decline the $16.7 Million payout and allow the Phillies to recoup a compensatory selection.

It certainly appears to be a wasted opportunity. Maybe the Phillies would not have been able to get that top five prospect, but they would likely have been able to get a piece that would help in the relatively near future. Now, they have to hope that whoever they select as a compensatory pick is almost ready for the Majors, and the Hellickson turns down an offer that may far exceed what he will get in free agency.

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The Philadelphia Phillies have kept Jeremy Hellickson at the trade deadline. Time will tell if this is the correct move, but for now, the Phillies appear to have made a mistake.