Phillies: February’s dollars vs. trades
By Tal Venada
Competing GM:
For Phillies fans, unfortunately, the only named relief-pitching suitors of the 10 were the four who signed hurlers: the Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks. But while the Cubs are limiting their spending, the Rangers, Mariners and Diamondbacks are rebuilding.
Clubs and inked pitchers on one-year contracts:
- Cubs: Brad Brach for $4.35 million.
- Diamondbacks: Greg Holland for $3.5 million.
- Rangers: Shawn Kelley for $2.75 million.
- Mariners: Hunter Strickland for $1.3 million.
Regarding those six franchises, seven are possibilities in three different categories. The Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians and Colorado Rockies need bullpen help, but they have spending limits due to their financial restraints. As for Boston, they don’t want to trigger the highest tax rate by exceeding $246 million.
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Royals, Toronto Blue Jays and Chicago White Sox also want an inexpensive acquisition or will take a flier on a Nicasio. But they could additionally have interest in a Neshek or Hunter to flip in July for prospects.
However, Klentak’s prime target is probably the Minnesota Twins. They are a team with both the need, the resources and a reason to strike a deal with the Phils because the Indians are their main competitor in the American League Central. Ergo, an ALDS berth!
Since 10 unnamed clubs kicked the tires on relievers to produce four signings, six franchises are possible landing spots. But one of the above seven organizations still needing a reliever probably wasn’t in the hunt at that time.