Phillies: Dollars and sense for 2020

Although expensive free agents excite the Phillies faithful, filling only one need will not get the franchise to the World Series, and general manager Matt Klentak will employ his financial resources to acquire two to four pieces instead.

Offseason expectations:   

For the Philadelphia Phillies, ’20 is about addressing the rotation and bullpen with two major hurlers and two secondary additions. Based on this 162, though, some fans could be forming doubts about next summer before Klentak constructs the roster, while others will hope for competitive improvements.

"IN OTHER WORDS: “Confidence isn’t optimism or pessimism, and it’s not a character attribute. It’s the expectation of a positive outcome.” – Rosabeth Moss Kanter"

With multiple holes to plug, Klentak can’t commit the financial lion’s share to one player. He has four priorities on the front burner: He must extend J.T. Realmuto, fill two rotation slots, and pick up two late-inning fire man. Not easy but not impossible!

Unfortunately, many supporters expect the GM to cover every need, real or perceived. And he should have backup plans for any eventuality despite the limitations of a 40-man roster. Additionally, they assume the players Klentak needs are available easily and immediately.

Regarding organizational thinking, they must contend with competitors overpaying for a targeted star and franchises with sky-high demands. Plus the faithful sometimes expect a player who either doesn’t exist or isn’t available. But keep in mind, lack of success on this will be the exec’s fault in their eyes.

To formulate a proposal, Klentak must determine his spending limits and the value of free agents under consideration. From there, he prioritizes his needs and puts his blueprint in motion to achieve his objectives or his secondary alternatives.

While many locals are anticipating an improved pitching staff, Klentak’s top priority is an extension for Realmuto. However, the top MLB catcher wants Buster Posey money: roughly $19 million per season. So this could be move one in November because the GM dealt his best prospect and young receiver for Realmuto.

Other than Realmuto, Klentak will pursuit two starters and two setup men for the pen. But while both relievers will probably come from other clubs, two rotation southpaws here now may already be auditioning for the fourth or fifth rung. So, can management add three important arms to 2020’s mix?