Money matters:
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Beginning with Betances, the Phillies may take Girardi’s preference because they have no reported connection to other relievers, and the flamethrower can close. Plus Klentak can offer $4 million with incentives increasing it to $10 million total for 2020 with a vesting option or two.
Anthony Rendon and Josh Donaldson are receiving the Phils’ interest with their “blow through Luxury Tax” approach, which could also nudge Gregorius, no?. Ergo, Gregorius could accept their proposal sooner rather than later with a decent offer. But Girardi’s reasoning could be Gregorius’ left-side bat with power.
Although the red pinstripes are all-in on *Gerrit Cole and **Stephen Strasburg, they acquired Wheeler instead. Plus many baseball men think the fireballer has the upside of a higher level, and the suits may believe they can also pick up an innings-eater for $10 million. Roughly, two starters could sign for the price of Cole now, not February. **Nats re-signed and *Yanks signed.
Management can simultaneously raise the bidding on Rendon and Donaldson for their competitors, while they encourage quicker decisions from Gregorius and Betances. Yes, they need a left-hander hitter with pop, but Rendon and Donaldson bat right-handed.
Is the goal to spend another $225-250 million for Rendon, Cole or Strasburg? Or is it to pair Wheeler with Aaron Nola and Betances with Seranthony Dominguez? And if Gregorius and Betances –neither has a qualifying offer– are their moves, what is the unlimited spending maneuver? A misdirection?
If you have any questions or opinions regarding the Philadelphia Phillies players, please open the comments section.