Underestimating the aggressive Philadelphia Phillies GM

Timeline: 

Entering the picture in rebuilding’s shadow, Klentak in his first offseason spent $15 million on veteran pitchers Jeremy Hellickson and Charlie Morton. The decision-maker’s thinking was one pans out and one doesn’t. Well, Morton didn’t complete April before a season-ending injury.

On the other hand, Hellickson had recorded one of his better summers, and he accepted a qualifying offer of $17.2 million for 2017. As for total payroll, Klentak added $52.7 million with Hellickson,  Saunders, Benoit, Pat Neshek and Clay Buchholz. Unfortunately, only Neshek worked out.

Double D, the GM has established a track record of aggressiveness by annually surpassing my expectations. He went from picking up two hurlers at $15 million for ’16 to acquiring five players at $52.7 million for ’17. As for efficiency, he decides on his young charges faster than his predecessor.

Surprising many in ’18, Klentak did sign four higher-quality veterans but didn’t take on salary dumps like Hellickson, Morton, Buchholz and Neshek. The higher-up on his second attempt for a left-side bat with power inked Carlos Santana through free agency.

Last year, the Phillies signed Jake Arrieta, Tommy Hunter, Santana and Neshek. Klentak spent $62.125 million AAV (average annual value) for the foursome. However, he finalized three-season pacts for the stars and two-campaign deals for the relievers. The GM went for more talent, money and 162s. Accelerating?

After a 37-36 finish in ’17, Klentak had announced a major competitive jump, and he knowingly overpaid for a switch-hitter with pop to quickly balance the right-heavy lineup. Of course, the only slow acquisition was Arrieta, a Scott Boras client.