Decisions aplenty:
At first blush, the Phillies wouldn’t have interest in absorbing $24.4 million AAV and moving an organizational top 10 talent for an aging ace. Plus clubs don’t generally get a haul of MiLB standouts and salary relief to solve their monetary roadblock. No, Klentak and other GMs would have the leverage here.
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In fact, taking on a major financial commitment usually happens while acquiring a younger star like Ray. So, Klentak would absorb a large percentage of Greinke’s contract along with Ray but still allow dollars for 2020’s extensions for Realmuto and Ray. Plus the exec could offer Mickey Moniak, Cornelius Randolph and/or Adonis Medina.
Basically, the end result would be a five-man staff of Nola, Greinke, Ray, Arrieta, and Eflin. And Velasquez would join Pivetta to bolster the bullpen along with a returning Robertson. Additionally, some relievers on the IL (injured list) could come back in September when rosters expand.
While writers and analysts offer NL East commentary, they often miss the heavy workload on the Washington Nationals starters to compensate for a shaky pen before the closer. However, front offices are well aware of their opponents’ shortcomings, and Klentak knows the Nats could have late-inning losses.
As for the Atlanta Braves, they need relievers and their ninth-frame option isn’t strong. Therefore, they may pick up a setup man or two, but they probably won’t be able to address those final three outs. And it could be their undoing in the NL East chase.
To sum up, the Phillies could acquire an ace plus a rotation southpaw and bolster the relief corps simultaneously. So, what would the Nationals and Braves be if Klentak can pull off this blockbuster deal? Beatable!
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