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Phillies: Restructuring 2020’s starting rotation

By Tal Venada

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JULY 06: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros reacts after striking out Kole Calhoun #56 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim to end the sixth inning at Minute Maid Park on July 06, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JULY 06: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros reacts after striking out Kole Calhoun #56 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim to end the sixth inning at Minute Maid Park on July 06, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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Odorizzi may be the best available two-slot arm pricewise and agewise. Photo by M. Brown/Getty Images. /

X factor:

While many feel the Phillies need two starters, Smyly could earn a spot. He missed two campaigns due to TJ surgery, and the first season back in the majors is not an immediate return to top form. However, he could bounce back quicker because he’s not a flamethrower.

In five starts for the Phils, he’s 1-1 with a 4.71 ERA. In fact, the Chicago Cubs signed and stashed him after his surgery. But exercising Hamels’ $20 million option forced them to move his $7 million pact elsewhere to avoid the highest Luxury Tax penalty.

Even though Smyly is becoming a remote possibility for the rotation, the red pinstripes will still pursue someone to slot behind Nola. And Jake Odorizzi has three prime 162s, is currently making $9,5 million, and might agree to $15 million each for five summers: $75 million. So, he could fill the bill and not break the bank.

Odorizzi’s arsenal:

  • Four-seam fastball: 682 for 32.6 percent
  • with a 93.1-mph average and a 95.5-mph high.
  • Sinker: 514 for 24.6 percent.
  • Splitter: 338 for 16.2 percent.
  • Slider: 240 for 11.5 percent.
  • Curveball: 164 for 7.8 percent.
  • Cutter: 154 for 7.4 percent.

When Klentak considers players’ salary increases for 2020, extensions for stars, and money coming off the books, the GM won’t want an ace’s $200 million commitment or $30 million per year. For a $15 million annual outlay, whom could the exec acquire to shore up the five-man staff? Odorizzi!

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