Available setup arms:
When it comes to the Phillies roster, most rival GMs know more about it than fans and local writers because they have frequent conversations with Klentak. And his staff has likewise analyzed their personnel. Today, front offices have multiple departments and directors to cover those details.
From a distance, the faithful have their doubts about moving Neshek but aren’t hesitant regarding Hunter. However, trading those veterans isn’t a performance-related decision due to now having David Robertson and Seranthony Dominguez for the toughest outs in the final frames. Translation: It’s strictly financial.
Guaranteed $9 million for ’19, Nicasio, 32, toiled through 46 appearances and produced a 6.00 ERA with 19 holds in his 42 innings for Seattle. But if another franchise is willing to take a flier on him as a comeback possibility, they might be open to covering $1 million of his commitment instead of chancing a waiver claim.
Hunter, 32, also has $9 million secured for 2019, but many fans weren’t happy with his 65 outings: a 3.80 ERA, four saves and 25 holds for 64 frames. However, he had a 3.00 ERA for 33 innings in the second half, and GMs favor more recent numbers. But if the Phillies eat $3 million, more clubs will have more interest.
Regarding Neshek, 38, he’ll earn $6.5 million including a $0.75 million buyout for 2020, but he had an abbreviated 2018: 30 games, 24 1/3 frames, a 2.59 ERA, 5 saves and 6 holds. So, other teams will point out that he spent half a year on the disabled list to slightly lower their offer.
Although the red pinstripes owe $24.5 million to these three veterans, they could absorb $11 million to have another $13.5 million this season to plug other holes. And then they’d have more flexibility to acquire a rotation southpaw after increasing their current available total of $49.6 million. Yes, to $63.1 million.