Phillies 2017 Offseason Given A- Grade by Sports Illustrated
By John Town
Stephanie Apstein of Sports Illustrated gave the Philadelphia Phillies an A- grade for the moves they made during this offseason.
Looking at this offseason on a MLB-wide scale, few would bring up the moves the Phillies made. The White Sox kickstarted their rebuild with two blockbuster trades, and several closers earned record-breaking contracts. Comparatively, the moves made by Philadelphia were rather minute.
However, Sports Illustrated’s Stephanie Apstein took note of the moves made by general manager Matt Klentak. She gave the club an A- grade, saying “they accelerated their rebuild with an eye on bigger moves in the years to come.”
The first move Apstein highlighted was trading for Clay Buchholz in exchange for “middling” second base prospect Josh Tobias. She pointed out his inconsistency in Boston, although she did note that his fastball velocity has been the same. Apstein called the move low-risk, citing the fact that Buchholz will be a free agent this offseason.
More from Phillies News
- Bryce Harper’s absence should lead to Phillies lineup tinkering
- Pirates’ bizarre Vince Velasquez hype video will make Phillies fans laugh
- Acquiring Brandon Marsh gave the Phillies flexibility
- Former Phillies starter Zach Eflin shares heartwarming goodbye message
- Is Rhys Hoskins the future at first base for the Phillies beyond 2023?
Apstein also talked about the acquisitions of relievers Pat Neshek and Joaquin Benoit, saying the two “will help stabilize the bullpen.” As with anyone who speaks on the Phils’ moves this winter, she brought up the potential for trading each of them at the trade deadline.
The Phils also retained Jeremy Hellickson after he became the fourth person to accept a qualifying offer since the system was put in place in 2012.
Apstein did mention that it was “certainly not the result Philadelphia…had in mind when it extended him one.” Regardless, Hellickson returning eliminated the need to find another starter in free agency or through a trade.
Turning towards the position players, the only change in the infield is Tommy Joseph becoming the full-time starter at first base as Ryan Howard‘s option was declined. Apstein said, “the club did not have to think too hard about declining the $25 million option on Howard, who posted a career-low 87 OPS+.” This season will be Joseph’s time to prove he can be a major-league caliber first baseman.
More from That Balls Outta Here
- Prospect Andrew Baker could help Phillies bullpen in 2023
- Bryce Harper’s absence should lead to Phillies lineup tinkering
- Phillies rumors: Club targets Seth Lugo for possible bullpen role
- Pirates’ bizarre Vince Velasquez hype video will make Phillies fans laugh
- Acquiring Brandon Marsh gave the Phillies flexibility
The corner outfield positions needed a major revamp this year, and they got exactly that with the trade for Howie Kendrick and the signing of Michael Saunders. Kendrick is set to play left field and Saunders will be in right.
In regards to “unfinished business”, Apstein said a lefty starter “would help” but what the club ultimately needs is time to allow their core of prospects to develop. With J.P. Crawford, Jorge Alfaro, and Nick Williams all set to reach the majors this year, Apstein expects the team to be good as soon as 2018.
Overall, Apstein praised Klentak for sticking to short-term commitments while leaving the future open. She said:
"“General manager Matt Klentak kept his promise, staying away from big commitments in favor of small additions. Aside from the players who are not yet eligible for free agency, only Herrera (who signed a five-year, $30.5 million extension in December) and Saunders (who has an $11 million club option) are signed past this season. That should free up Philadelphia up to take advantage of a decent free-agent class after this year and a historic one, highlighted by divisional rival Bryce Harper, the year after. The Phillies are likely to field a 2017 Opening Day team that will make less than $100 million. Don’t get used to that.”"
Next: Rhys Hoskins Named No. 9 1B Prospect by MLB.com
The Phils didn’t make any particularly bad moves this offseason. Soon we will see if they all pay off.