Call to the pen
Fansided

Phillies: 2020’s reloading with 3 top arms

By Tal Venada

HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 10: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros pitches during Game 5 of the ALDS against the Tampa Bay Rays at Minute Maid Park on October 10, 2019 in Houston, Texas. Houston advances with a 6-1 win. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 10: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros pitches during Game 5 of the ALDS against the Tampa Bay Rays at Minute Maid Park on October 10, 2019 in Houston, Texas. Houston advances with a 6-1 win. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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If Strasburg opts out, the Phillies could sign him and a setup man. Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images. /

Tight fit:

The Phillies could re-up Realmuto plus sign Odorizzi and either Hudson or Harris. For Cole, Middleton could again deal with Boras because most organizations can’t wait due to wanting their roster completed by December’s end. Ergo, they can’t bank on picking up Cole.

Klentak can ink a two-slot hurler and a late-game reliever, plus he’d have $27.5 million AAV for an opting-out Stephen Strasburg and one of those three relievers if signing Cole isn’t panning out. But keep in mind, the front office must decide by late December on the Boras’ situation with the ace.

If the plan is successful, the five-man staff would be Cole, Aaron Nola, Odorizzi, Arrieta and Zach Eflin. Basically, that would give Girardi a fighting chance to win the NL East. On the other hand, the bullpen’s back end could be Hudson, Hector Neris and Ranger Suarez.

Phillies distribution of $63.1 million AAV:

  • Fireman: $5 million AAV for Hudson or Harris.
  • Odorizzi: $14 million AAV ($56 million total).
  • Realmuto: $16 million AAV ($112 million total).
  • Cole $27.5 million AAV ($220 million total).
  • Total: $62.5 million AAV.

For fans who want Klentak fired, the GM will have no easy task securing his All-Star catcher, a top starter and a quality fireman. In fact, this offseason test will determine his ability because it’s unlike signing veterans to flip in July or having 2019’s millions: Will he be able to satisfy his detractors? No!

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