Call to the pen
Fansided

Phillies: Revised offseason money chase for 2020

By Tal Venada

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 15: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros in action against the New York Yankees in game three of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium on October 15, 2019 in New York City. The Astros defeated the Yankees 4-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 15: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros in action against the New York Yankees in game three of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium on October 15, 2019 in New York City. The Astros defeated the Yankees 4-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Phillies
Cole will barely break the record of $217 million for seven years due to the competitive-balance threshold and Boras. Photo by P. Smith/Getty Images. /

Astros, Angels and Yankees:   

Even though the Houston Astros are negotiating with Cole, their CBT is at $239.4 million, while the Phillies are only approaching the $208 million mark. Ergo, the ‘Stros are also over the $228 million penalty threshold and $8.6 million short of exceeding the $248 million maximum level. Plus they’ve also lost two setup men.

Prediction-wise, the Los Angeles Angels are the favorites to ink Cole to a record-breaking contract for hurlers. But if they sign Cole, they’ll still need the dollars for a second rotation piece and four other roster spots. So, they may not acquire another top starter.

Signing with the hometown nine isn’t always a player’s preference due to the pressure of performing 81 games there, while others relish the occasional series locally. However, starters make 15-17 home appearances per 162. Plus Cole revealed during a recent interview that Reddick had started the west coast rumor.

$208 million competitive-balance threshold for 2020:

  • Astros: $239.4 million AAV.
  • Angels: $150.2 million AAV.
  • Yankees: $215.4 million AAV.
  • Phillies: $186.2 million AAV.

Re-upping Gardner for $7.5 million (2019’s salary) will increase the New York Yankees to $222.9 million AAV. Yes, they need a frontline starter, but will they commit $30 million AAV to Cole for a $252.9 million tally when ownership wants to be below $208 million?

The Yankees exceeded the CBT in 2019, plus they are heading in that direction again. Basically, their business philosophy is the Luxury Tax penalty pays their competitors to hand them losses.  And that sticking point is their reluctance to overspend like seasons past.

Home/Philadelphia Phillies