Bottom line:
In my last Phillies article, I provided Middleton’s route to Cole, a closer and an extension agreement for Realmuto. But if the only lengthened commitment for a pitcher involves Cole, Klentak could set aside $27.5 million AAV or $220 million for eight seasons. Ergo, $35.6 million AAV left.
For $16 million AAV over seven campaigns, Realmuto would receive $112 million total, and negotiations probably began in early October. So, $19.6 million could be for a starter and a reliever: They can’t count on Cole as a definite and must acquire a solid rotation piece beforehand.
As for a quality late-inning fireman, Dellin Betances earned $7.25 million in 2019. But he only recorded two outs (his only outing) before suffering a partial tear of his left Achilles tendon on Sept. 15. Perhaps, he’s worth $4 million with a $10 million vesting option in an incentive-ladened pact compensating success and health.
With $5 million AAV for two summers, Daniel Hudson or Will Harris would bring the total to $20-21 million AAV for Realmuto and one of Hudson, Harris or Betances. Therefore, Klentak would have at least $14.6 million AAV for a starter, and a two-slot arm could cost $14 million AAV.
Jake Odorizzi is 29 and a first-time free agent who could sign a four-year contract for $56 million or $14 million AAV. Meanwhile, Cole Hamels will be 36 and is now a mid-rotation moundsman. Plus while the AAV is roughly the same, the results and health risk are not. Besides, the other three aces didn’t make it to 36, did they?