Phillies: New rotation target for 2018

Spitballing:

Financially, the Cubbies are at $183 million or $14 million under the competitive balance threshold. But if they unload a bad contract along with Montgomery, they will have more dollars available to spend in mid-July as an option due to injury or limited production from a regular in their batting order. They’re all-in for ’18!

Regarding the five starters for Chicago (NL), they have four signed through 2020 with a contract, a club option or the arbitration process. On the other hand, the fifth pitcher Darvish can opt out after 2019, when he’s 33. A need for ’20?

In mid-December, the Cubs inked left-hander Drew Smyly for 2018-19 at $10 million total, but he had undergone TJ surgery last July. So, he could miss most or all of the summer ahead but–relatively speaking–is only a cheap backup plan for 2019.

Montgomery, 28, was a swingman last season and again will be one because of the added starters. However, he wants a guarantee of relieving or starting because of injury concerns regarding back-and-forth usage. Ergo, a team problem!

The southpaw is slightly above the MLB minimum but will be arbitration eligible for ’19: He has four years of team control remaining. But prying him loose will be extremely difficult.

Of the portsider’s 14 starts, his last six were in the second half: 29 frames, 9 earned runs and a 3-2 record with a 2.79 ERA. Granted, he averaged nearly five innings per start but also had 11  relief appearances mixed in. And he has a 92-mph fastball compared to the 93-mph average in the majors.

To sum up, Klentak has called his contemporary with Chicago regarding Montgomery, and prospects with salary relief could lead to a deal. But keep in mind, the lefty isn’t 23; he’s 28. Unfortunately, what wrinkle will the GM be facing? The competition!