Phillies: Low Cost Starting Pitching Options in Free Agency

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(Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports) /

As a rebuilding team, the Phillies are not expected to have an incredibly high-profile offseason. Most (if not all) top-tier free agents will not appeal to this team right now, as they will likely be in decline by the time the Phightin’s are contending again.

While the majority of playing time should go to young players on the rise, there is still the need for experienced pitchers to eat innings, mentor the kids, and most especially, lighten the workload on the young arms.

Since we aren’t expecting blockbusters deals in Philadelphia this offseason, I’m going to focus on the low-cost, low profile free agents on the market.

Today, I’ll be addressing Starting Pitchers.

Ryan Vogelsong (Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports) /

Honorable Mentions

The majority of the Phillies low-cost options underperformed massively this past season. Most of them are above the age of 30, as well, which makes them less likely to be in the Phillies long-term plans.

Ryan Vogelsong, Jesse Chavez, Kris Medlen, and Joe Wieland (to name a few) are all bounce back candidates that the Phillies front office might have their eye on.

None of these guys is going to be an ace, nor are they guaranteed to return to form. What they will do is consume innings for a low salary, and right now that’s what the Phillies need.

Jeremy Hellickson – The Phililes most reliable starter in 2016 (Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports) /

Jeremy Hellickson, Philadelphia Phillies

This one is kind of given. If Hellickson hadn’t told Phillies beat reporter Todd Zolecki that he “would love to be back next year,” I probably would not be writing this. But he did, so I am.

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The former Rookie of the Year did exactly what the Phillies wanted of him during his lone season with the club, throwing 189.0 innings of 3.71 ball. So why not bring him back for another year?

The first matter of business, though, will be the qualifying offer that Hellickson is almost sure to receive. Given that Rich Hill is the only FA pitcher to have a better season than Hellickson, the Phillies would be foolish not to extend a qualifying offer.

If he takes the offer, they get him back at $17.2 million (not great, but won’t hinder the low-payroll Phillies). Should he sign elsewhere, the Phillies get a compensatory draft pick, most likely to be in the first round! Either way, the team gets something they want.

Estimated Offer – Accepts Qualifying Offer (17.2 million) or 2 years/$30 million

Flamethrowing right hander – Andrew Cashner (Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports) /

Andrew Cashner, Miami Marlins

Cashner was a highly regarded prospect due to his blistering fastball, which could frequently hit the upper-90s. After sustaining injuries to his neck and hamstring, we’ve seen Cashner’s velocity (and performance) dip over the past two seasons.

Keep in mind that as recently as 2014, Cashner posted an ERA of 2.55. Should the Phillies fail to re-sign Hellickson, Cashner would not be a poor second choice. Despite a history of getting hurt, Cashner features exactly the kind of upside the Phillies are looking for.

If he can pitch to his potential, at least up to the All Star break, there will be a plethora of contending teams eager to pick him up. Or maybe he goes full on ace-status, as the Padres hoped he would when they gave up Anthony Rizzo for him.

In that case, the Phils would be wise to hold onto him. Whether he thrives or flops, he won’t cost the team much regardless.

Projected Offer – 1 year/$10 million

Edinson Volquez

Ever since a breakout year in 2008, Edinson Volquez has been trying to recapture that magic. After spending the 2014 season with Pirates’ “pitching guru” Ray Searage, Volquez was finally able to tap into the early success he experienced back in Cincinnati.