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Phillies: January’s big-ticket splash

By Tal Venada

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 24: Carlos Santana #41 of the Philadelphia Phillies talks to General Manager Matt Klentak prior to the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park on April 24, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 24: Carlos Santana #41 of the Philadelphia Phillies talks to General Manager Matt Klentak prior to the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park on April 24, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Waiting for a strong sign of interest, Kimbrel’s price will have to drop again before he inks a deal. Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images. /

Arms on sale: 

With four expensive free agents up for grabs in January, the Phillies are in an excellent position to sign one because they can add a player without having to make payroll space or other moves. And many front offices can’t wait until the last minute to fill a spot.

Over the last five years performance-wise, Keuchel, 31, has had one so-so and three excellent 162s, but in ’18 he was good at 12-11 with a 3.74 ERA and similar ERA estimators (FIP, xFIP and SIERA) over 204 2/3 frames. He’s a control pitcher who twirls an 89.2-mph sinker with sliders, cutters, changeups and fastballs.

For north of $100 million over six seasons, Keuchel will be among the final pieces still available near February. But a national-publication estimate was $82 million for four summers. However, the Phils aren’t facing stiff competition from the Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, San Diego Padres or Los Angeles Angels.

Aside from the Yanks, the Phillies are in a good position, but New York (AL) probably isn’t willing to ink a big bat and the left-hander. So, the outlook is good for Klentak to push for possibly a three-campaign pact of $70 million, but it will be a similar time situation to Arrieta’s 2018.

Kimbrel, 30, appeared in 63 games with a 2.74 ERA and 42 saves out of 47 chances over 62 1/3 innings. As for his arsenal, he has a curveball to complement 97.2-mph smoke, and that four-seam fastball tops out at 100.2 mph. Additionally, some claim his control is off a bit, but many relievers have that problem.

While some organizations are chasing Britton, Kimbrel has dropped from $100 million for six seasons to $86 million for five. But only the Boston Red Sox are openly monitoring his market and hoping his price drops to four summers at $60-70 million. However, the Phillies may go $70-80 million for four years.

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