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Phillies: Dollars and sense before spring training

By Tal Venada

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 29: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals is congratulated after scoring a run against the Colorado Rockies in the eighth inning of a game at Coors Field on September 29, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 29: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals is congratulated after scoring a run against the Colorado Rockies in the eighth inning of a game at Coors Field on September 29, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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Due to the new normal in the market, Keuchel will probably settle for much less than he wanted. Photo by Loren Elliott/MLB Photos via Getty Images. /

Top-shelf acquisitions: 

For first-time free agents in 2020 and 2021, their agents are now making them aware of the changes they will be facing during the next two winters. In other words, the sky is no longer the limit.

As Jake Arrieta realized last March, his asking price of $210 million for seven seasons was too costly for even deep-pocked organizations. And he received $25 million annually for three summers instead of $30 million each for seven. So, he’s informing Aaron Nola, Rhys Hoskins and others of the new normal.

Concerning the market, Dallas Keuchel probably won’t be receiving a proposal near $100 million for five campaigns. Moreover, the Phillies may offer $60 million for four years, but that depends on the AAV for Bryce Harper or Manny Machado. Another March deal?

Expecting a minimum of $325 million for 10 seasons, Machado only has two or three suitors: the red pinstripes, the Chicago White Sox and –maybe– a mystery team. Reportedly, Chicago’s proposal was a recently questioned $25 million for seven summers or $175 million.

Harper’s offer from the Washington Nationals was $300 million for 10 campaigns. But after Washington’s offseason spending is that still on the table? Basically, the Nats have $4.4 million before they cross the Luxury Tax line, and $30 million AAV would even exceed the additional $20 million mark.

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