Good morning! There’s definitely news to talk about today:
- We found out Monday that Jeremy Hellickson is coming back to the Phillies, as he accepted the team’s $17.2 million qualifying offer. Speaking with Meghan Montemurro of the News Journal, Hellickson said he was skeptical of teams sacrificing a draft pick for him in a multi-year deal, and would rather spend another year building value than take a risk in the market.
Makes sense. We outlined some of the reasons that would lead Hellickson to accept the offer, and that falls in line. In the end it’s a good deal for both sides. The Phils get a decent pitcher on a short-term basis, while the pitcher gets money and a chance at further proving himself.
- Meanwhile, Neil Walker is the only other player to accept a qualifying offer, going back to the Mets to play second base. That means a host of outfielders (Yoenis Cespedes, Jose Bautista, Ian Desmond) would cost a team a draft pick.
On the outfielders: The Phillies shouldn’t be in the market. It’s not worth signing a 30-plus-year-old outfielder to a multi-year deal and lose a draft pick.
On Walker: The second base market is very, very thin, starting probably with Chase Utley, who could get a one-year deal somewhere. That means there’s a market for a younger second sacker like Cesar Hernandez. No doubt the Phils will be in on trade talks.
- The Dodgers signed former Phillie Patrick Schuster to a minor-league deal. He put up a 45.00 ERA in six games last year.
The Dodgers just love those former Phillies!
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