Strategy:
Because the Phillies have $21.66 million AAV for now, they will be short of the $30 million AAV predicted for Gerrit Cole. Plus non-tendering Franco will only increase the tally to $28.36 million, and Klentak will either exceed the CBT to draw a penalty for the ace or create more CBT payroll flexibility. So, who else won’t return?
Center fielder Herrera, almost 28, has four complete seasons in the majors, and his contract is $6.1 million AAV with five years of control remaining. Fortunately, the major leagues has a shortage of center fielders, and a traded, talented Herrera may get a second chance elsewhere.
Due to injured outfielders and a suspension, the red pinstripes advanced Adam Haseley after only 18 Triple-A games. But though he handled himself with glove and bat (.266), some fans may label him a fourth outfielder. Yes, if he was a veteran reserve, that would be correct, but he did it as a rookie called up before 2021.
Hernandez is entering his final arbitration summer with an estimate of $11.8 million, but second base is Scott Kingery‘s best position. And although free agency has many second sackers, Hernandez has a better track record than most available competitors. Unfortunately, he may be too expensive for some franchises.
At the hot corner, one interesting possibility is Mike Moustakas, 31, who hit .251 with 35 bombs and 87 RBIs. And the left-handed hitter could bat fifth with Segura, Kingery and Haseley behind him. However, the Fightins may need a two-campaign proposal of $7 million AAV because he would probably be moving his family.
While Alec Bohm is the future third baseman, management would prefer not rushing him to the Show. Plus they don’t want to prematurely burn a roster slot, and they want to see how he handles adversity. So far, he has 1.5 years of four MiLB seasons total before needing 40-man protection.