Decisions for July:
The tax rate for the Nationals and Phillies will be 20 percent for a first penalty (30 percent for a second consecutive occurrence). And considering the four-team race could come down to the wire, both will pay the tax for October baseball. Basically, “break glass in case of fire” time means they even have a legit shot for the wild card.
Free agency has changed the situation in Washington, and they now have a weaker 25-man roster that can’t afford injuries. And although their rotation and offense are strong enough to capture the divisional pennant, their late-game outcomes will depend on Harris and Hudson getting the ball to Doolittle.
The Fightins were ready to surpass the CBT in December above the then $205 million AAV or more depending on the arbitration rulings for Realmuto and Neris if Betances accepted their fair $7 million proposal to increase their AAV to $212-215 million. Moreover, the 2020 free agent hasn’t had closing success.
Expensive acquisitions are not the only measurement of an organization’s commitment to making the postseason or their desire to be competitive. Unfortunately, many locals expect spending in December and July regardless of the standings, the players’ health, the competition and other factors.
Despite these considerations, some must see it to believe it, while others call it impossible for the reason du jour. But the Phils faithful fall into many categories: doubting Thomases, curmudgeons, or fans with a healthy optimism like me who don’t give up before pitch one. Which one are you?