Rivals’ bullpen options vs. Phillies trade bait

Financial acquisitions:

If you were a rival GM, you’d compare signing an available setup man to the Phillies firemen with only one year remaining on their commitments. In fact, taking on salary isn’t much different than inking a free agent.

Drawing the most attention, right-hander Kelley, 34, fired 49 frames and recorded a 2.94 ERA with only four holds during his 54 appearances to earn $5 million in ’18. However, the Washington Nationals had designated him for assignment after his on-field antics, and the Oakland A’s claimed him.

Righty Adam Warren, 31, is a first-time free agent who accepted $3.3 million in his final arbitration year. But even though he had a 3.14 ERA for 51 2/3 innings, he only had four holds during his 47 performances with the Seattle Mariners.

Receiving save opportunities with the Giants, Hunter Strickland, 30, made $1.55 million in 2018 and is now testing free agency. For 49 outings, the right-hander had a 3.97 ERA, 14 saves and four holds for 45 1/3 frames. But if he doesn’t snag a closer’s gig, he will handle setup roles.

Update on Jan. 24: Strickland agreed to sign with the Seattle Mariners, and Brack agreed to sign with the Chicago Cubs.

Finishing his 162 with the Atlanta Braves, righty Brad Brach, 32, made 69 appearances for a 3.59 ERA, 12 saves and 11 holds over 62 2/3 innings. And his last commitment was $5.17 million with the Baltimore Orioles.

As for Tyler Clippard, 33, he pitched for only $1.5 million: a fraction of his previous contracts. The right-hander had 73 outings with a 3.67 ERA, seven saves and 15 holds for 68 2/3 frames, but chances are he won’t be vying for high-leverage relief spots. Yes, that ex-Yankee Clippard.