Call to the pen
Fansided

Phillies bullpen in 2020 can be helped by former ace

By Tal Venada

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 22: Philadelphia Phillies Bench Coach Rob Thomson (59) makes a pitching change during the seventh inning of the game between the Miami Marlins and the Philadelphia Phillies on June 22. 2019, at Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia PA. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 22: Philadelphia Phillies Bench Coach Rob Thomson (59) makes a pitching change during the seventh inning of the game between the Miami Marlins and the Philadelphia Phillies on June 22. 2019, at Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia PA. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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A healthy Dominguez will change the dynamics for critical innings ahead. Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images. /

Strategic thinking:    

Recently, two revelations have changed the Phillies equation for the five-man staff and the back end of the pen. An aging stud is willing to sign a one-summer pact with a team heading for serious October baseball, while the other is Seranthony Dominguez throwing his heater and off-speed stuff painlessly from the mound.

Phillies spending:

  • Estimates beginning at $46.4 million AAV
    including Realmuto’s projected $10.3 million arb amount for 2020.
  • Cole: -$27.5 million AAV for $18.9 million AAV ($220 million over 8 yrs).
  • Balance: $18.9 million AAV for a starter and/or 2 relievers.

Phillies spending alternative:

  • Estimates beginning at $46.4 million AAV
    including Realmuto’s projected $10.3 million arb amount for 2020.
  • Hamels: -$10 million AAV for $36.4 million AAV (($20 million over 2 yrs.)
  • Ryu: -$17 million AAV for $19.4 million AAV ($51 million over 3 yrs.)
  • Balance: $19. 4 million AAV for 2 relievers.

If the Fightins prefer a plan B, Cole Hamels announced a possible one-season deal for an organization seriously vying for a ring. So, Klentak could ink two southpaws without a QO (qualifying offer): no draft-pick compensation and the bonus pool money associated with it.

Hyun-Jin Ryu ($17 million AAV) and Dallas Keuchel ($13 million AAV) are portsiders without QOs, and either could sign a three-year contract. Basically, two lefties could separate the three right-handers in the rotation: Aaron Nola, Ryu, Zach Eflin, Hamels and Jake Arrieta.

Regarding creativeness, Hamels is looking for $15 million for 2020, but Klentak could lower the AAV to $10 million if the deal is for $20 million for two 162s. To accomplish this, the additional $5 million would include $5 million worth of incentives, but Hamels could also opt out after ’20. Or he could earn $25 million for two campaigns.

With $19.4 million AAV, Klentak could acquire two of Will Harris, Daniel Hudson, Drew Pomeranz or Dellin Betances to go with Neris and Dominguez. And this alternative offers more flexibility to add two solid firemen. So, what is a possible Hamels’ return with a healthy Dominguez a foretelling of? Good fortune ahead!

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