Philadelphia Phillies primer heading into MLB Winter Meetings
Tom Moore
The Philadelphia Phillies head into the MLB Winter Meetings that begin Sunday with a great deal of uncertainty.
After reportedly losing $145 million in the pandemic-ravaged 2020 season, they might not seriously consider signing any significant free agents after reducing their full-time work force 17 percent by cutting at least 80 positions in late November.
For an organization that needs starting and relief pitching, a center fielder and — assuming they don’t re-sign all-star J.T. Realmuto — a catcher, not addressing those areas could relegate Bryce Harper, Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler, Rhys Hoskins and the rest to another mediocre season after failing to qualify for the expanded playoffs by losing seven of their final eight games to close out the shortened ’20 campaign.
The Phillies have a pretty good core, but enough subpar positions that, if left the way they are, could be enough to result in a 10th consecutive playoff-less season.
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Phillies notable free agents
J.T. Realmuto: The best catcher in the National League wants a long-term, big-money deal that the Phillies might not be willing to give him after earning $10 million last season. They extended an $18.9 million qualifying offer that Realmuto, who turns 30 in March, rejected, which allows them to recoup a draft pick when he signs elsewhere.
Didi Gregorius: After playing shortstop here for $14 million on a one-year deal last season, Gregorius, who had a solid year, isn't expected to return next season.
Jay Bruce: The veteran outfielder provided a left-handed power bat, but seems to be a luxury the Phils can no longer afford — especially at anything close to his 2020 salary of $14 million.
Jake Arrieta: Arm troubles and ineffectiveness resulted in Arrieta's 22-23 record during three unimpressive seasons. That's not nearly enough to merit his $62.4 million salary — it would've been $75 million if not for the COVID-19 pandemic. Good riddance.
Top 3 winter objectives
(In order of importance)
Bolster the bullpen: Former GM Matt Klentak went into last season with a historically bad ’pen, then made trades at the deadline for veterans who struggled mightily in Philly. Since the farm system isn’t much of a help here, interim GM Ned Rice could roll the dice on some low-priced arms and hope he gets lucky with a few.
Re-sign Realmuto: With a weak free-agent catcher market, the Phillies could end up with career backup Andrew Knapp as their starter if they don’t bring back Realmuto. That would be far from ideal.
Improve the starting pitching: Nola, Wheeler and Zach Eflin should be a quality top 3, with youngster Spencer Howard also likely to earn a spot. The prospect of another year with the maddening Vince Velasquez in the rotation is not a pleasant thought.
Trade chips
The Phillies could consider dealing the reliable Wheeler, who signed a five-year, $118 million contract in December 2019, to reduce what is already a 2021 payroll of $132 million, though that would be a pretty drastic move.
The same with infielder Jean Segura (two years, $29.5 million still guaranteed). If he stays, Segura could return to shortstop after playing nearly all second and third base last season with Gregorius at short. That would not be what Harper expected when he agreed to a 13-year, $330 million deal on Feb. 28, 2019.
It’s a productive offseason if …
The Phillies re-sign Realmuto and acquire a few quality arms, though that might only be wishful thinking at this point. Perhaps they can upgrade via trades, but they don't appear to have too many minor leaguers coveted by other clubs.
It’s a rough winter if ...
They decide to dump contracts for young players to lower their payroll or don’t address their shortcomings, another season at or below .500 season could be in store. Unfortunately for Phillies fans, this seems to be the more likely of the two scenarios.