Call to the pen
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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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Because the Dodgers now need a right-side bat with power, will they reconsider re-signing Machado and moving Turner to first base? Photo by Adam Glanzman/MLB Photos via Getty Images. /

“Barbed” weapons:

Even though Harper’s average has fluctuated from .330, .243, .319 to 2018’s .249, he still launched 34 bombs with 100 RBIs. And he’ll probably have a banner 162 with a new team because he must prove he’s worth the coin. But will his average again vary downward after ’19?

Forecasted to receive $420 million for 14 seasons, Harper, 26, may finish below both of those predictions. Currently, he is under consideration by the Chicago White Sox, New York (AL), Los Angeles (NL) and Chicago (NL). But he prefers the Dodgers.

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To be in the hunt, the Yanks could trade Stanton, the Dodgers could ignore their left-heavy lineup, the Cubs must clear the equivalent payroll, and the White Sox must outbid everybody due to being a rebuilding franchise. Ergo, the Phillies still have a decent shot for a needed left-side hitter with power.

After batting .297 with 37 homers and 107 RBIs, Machado, 26, is a more consistent hitter than Harper. But he probably won’t reach his projected $390 million for 13 summers. For now, New York (AL), Chicago (AL) and Los Angeles (NL) –if they move Turner to first base– are Klentak’s main competitors for the infielder.

While the Yankees don’t want a 10-year deal with Machado, the guess here is eight campaigns, and they’d have to move rookie-sensation Andujar. Meanwhile, the Pale Hose will probably have a limit with a couple 162s left for restructuring. And even though Machado’s preference is New York (AL), things are still up in the air.

Many clubs have set their rosters by January and are only making tweaks to their projected 25. But while the red pinstripes have a clear shot at one or two of these four stars, they know who the unexpected challenger is. Yes, the wild card!

Next. Phillies: Plan B revisited post-Winter Meetings. dark

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