Rivals’ bullpen options vs. Phillies trade bait

Prospects required:

The Phillies trade competition comes from the Giants with Smith and Watson, who will be free agents after this campaign. Firstly, though, two bounce-back candidates are right-handers Sergio Romo and Ryan Madson, who had good summers before ’18.

Although Romo, 35, was a publicized opener for the Tampa Bay Rays, he only started five games out of his 73 opportunities for last season’s $2.5 million. Overall, he had a 4.14 ERA with 25 saves and nine holds for 67 1/3 innings.

As for Madson, 38, he finished his contract year of $7.5 million but had a dreadful 2018. He made 58 appearances for a 5.47 ERA, 14 saves and four holds over 52 2/3 frames. But how much does he have left in the tank?

In San Francisco, Smith, 29, earned $4.23 million for his 54 outings. He produced a 2.55 ERA with 14 saves and six holds for 53 innings. Therefore, he’s an attractive possibility to many organizations with openings in the back end of their bullpens.

Watson, 33, is the other left-hander the Giants could swap this offseason. For ’18, he made $4 million for his solid 72 appearances: He recorded a 2.59 ERA with 32 holds for 66 frames, but like Smith he’ll also be a free agent after this 162.

When you consider San Francisco’s situation, it’s like the campaign before the Phils began their rebuilding. Ergo, their front office will deal these two setup men for decent prospects, but they’ll probably get a better return in July.