Phillies: 2020’s direction for trades, signings

Halfway there:         

For one free-agent moundsman, the Phillies spent $118 million to the Yankees ($324 million), the Nationals ($275 million), the Blue Jays ($80 million), the Braves ($30 million) and the Mets ($10.5 million). And these expenditures indicate one big splash with fiscal sanity elsewhere. Ergo, business as usual!

Because the red pinstripes are more than one piece away, Klentak decided on Zack Wheeler banking on a one-notch elevation to a solid two-slot hurler. Unfortunately, the starting staff prices for fours and fives have also been high, and that expensiveness is the rub.

Having a left-side bat in the lineup was next. For, however, only $14 million, Didi Gregorius inked a one-season pact with Alec Bohm developing to man 2021’s hot corner. Realistically, every franchise needs a mix of stars and inexpensive youngsters and hopes the newcomers make an impact in their third year.

Despite the faithful’s positive view of their divisional rivals, the Metropolitans’ bullpen had needed that top-notch arm more, and they willingly guaranteed another $3.5 million to best the Phils’ offer. But their windfall was due to a reworked commitment after an outfielder’s questionable injury they’ve yet to fully reveal.

Adding pitchers will require freeing up AAV dollars. So, Klentak can deal Jay Bruce‘s $12 million AAV –his payroll amount is $1.65 million– and Odubel Herrera‘s $6.1 million AAV. Plus freeing up the AAV payroll space or swapping them could lead to a rotation and/or pen pieces in a trade or signing.