Call to the pen
Fansided

Overhauling 2019’s Phillies bullpen

By Tal Venada

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 24: Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates a victory in game two of the 2018 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on October 23, 2018 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 24: Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates a victory in game two of the 2018 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on October 23, 2018 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /
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Despite missing time over the last two seasons, Britton is returning to his 2016 form. Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images. /

Flipping setup men:     

With the shopping of Neshek and Hunter, Klentak is looking to either dump their combined $15.5 million for 2019 or receive prospects he can trade for a closer or a rotation southpaw. Therefore, he’ll have more financial flexibility to also sign Craig Kimbrel or Andrew Miller. Or a package for Edwin Diaz?

While Neshek is a reliable bullpen piece with a 2.59 ERA, the Phillies owe him $6.5 million including a $0.75 million buyout. In 2018, he even had five saves out of six opportunities. So, Klentak could receive some worthwhile prospects.

In 29 second-half games, Hunter worked 33 frames with a 3.00 ERA and notched three saves in four chances. Yes, he’s a solid reliever with closing experience, and GMs prefer more recent stats as a deciding factor. But his 2019 contract is for $9 million, so the Phils will probably eat some of it.

As for free agents, Kimbrel received a national-publication prediction of $70 million for four summers, but Klentak might propose a higher AAV (average annual value) with a three-season offer. Last year, the flamethrower had a 2.74 ERA with 42 saves. So, the exec will probably be in the mix for the fireman.

Regarding Diaz, the Seattle Mariners want a sky-high return for him because he has four years of club control including a prearbitration 162. But the M’s aren’t totally rebuilding, and Diaz is in their plans for 2021. Therefore, a long shot!

Four-seam fastballs:

  • Kimbrel, 30.5: 97.2 mph average and 100.2 mph maximum with a curveball.
  • Miller, 33.5: 93.2 mph average and 97.4 mph maximum with a slider.
  • Diaz, 24.5: 97.4 mph average and 100.4 mph maximum with a slider.
  • Britton, almost 31: sinker at 94.9 mph average and 97.6 mph maximum with a curveball.

Coming off a shortened campaign due to a hamstring strain, knee inflammation and a shoulder impingement, Miller will still command an estimated $27 million for three summers. Yes, his 2018 numbers skewed by injury are lowering his cost, but he is a risk worth taking. Or could age be a factor against a three-season pact?

Finally, lefty Zach Britton‘s financial forecast is $33 million for three campaigns due mostly to two years with physical difficulties: a strained forearm, a knee injury and a ruptured Achilles tendon. But he is working his way back to his 2016 levels with his sinker, producing ground balls, and nearing his previous effectiveness.

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