Pitching staff:
With an 18-5 record and a 2.61 ERA, Cole is the faithful’s choice for the Phillies rotation head, and alternatives pale by comparison. But they won’t cost $30 million AAV either. Though, if the higher-ups don’t ink Cole, the locals will view 2020 negatively to begin with. No stretch there!
Concerning Hamels, he is 7-7 with a 3.92 ERA but will seek a three-summer contract. He will, however, accept two seasons at $20 million AAV each. That stated, he is no longer the 2015 southpaw the red pinstripes moved after his no-hitter.
2020’s Competitive-balance threshold of $208 million AAV:
- Phillies beginning amount: $194.2 million AAV.
- Minus $25.6 million AAV for $168.6 million AAV.
- Add Cole’s $30 million AAV for $198.6 million AAV.
- Add Hamels’ $20 million AAV for $218.6 million AAV.
To pick up two top-notch hurlers in Smith and Daniel Hudson, the Fightins would add $19 million AAV to their tally. Smith, though, is the top available reliever, and clubs will offer more than double his current salary up to $11 million AAV during his first free agency.
As for Hudson, he has some closing experience and like Smith he’s healthy. But a name fireman could prove he’s sound by season’s end, and a top-tier closer may opt out for a bigger payday. On the other hand, those wrinkles could lower Hudson’s cost below $8 million per year.
2020’s Competitive-balance threshold of $208 million AAV with stronger penalties for exceeding $228 million AAV and $248 million AAV maximum.
- Phillies increased amount: $218.6 million AAV.
- Add Smith’s $11 million AAV for $229.6 million AAV.
- Add Hudson’s $8 million AAV for $237.6 million AAV.