Phillies: Two Veteran Pitchers Klentak Could Trade For in the Offseason

Making a low-risk, high-reward move such as these could help the Phillies win more games, develop the younger pitchers, and gain prospects at the trade deadline

I highlighted two pitchers I believe would be easily available for the Phillies on the trade market: Jason Vargas and Ricky Nolasco.

After missing nearly the entire season recovering from Tommy John surgery, Jason Vargas is a player the Royals could easily dump for cheap. General Manager Jeff Rosen said the team expects to cutback on its payroll next season.

That leaves someone like Vargas, who is owed $8 million for next season. Vargas could be a low-risk high-reward option for the Phillies and compete for a spot in the rotation in spring training.

Kansas City will take next-to-nothing to be relieved of his cap, giving the Phillies a great opportunity to get a promising return on their investment. The Royals may even take cash considerations for Vargas if they are extremely desperate financially in a small market.

Phillies fans also know Ricky Nolasco very well after he pitched in the Marlins organization for eight years. At 33-years-old he’s not the youngest option, but the Phillies need that kind of player in the organization.

Like the Royals, Los Angeles will look to unload unnecessary money as they try to build around Mike Trout and still pay Albert Pujols.

Nolasco is similar to Vargas, where the Phillies would pay next to nothing and possibly have a quality asset in the summer. Nolasco has pitched modestly in Citizens Bank Park, holding a 3.22 in 10 games.

Neither of these two should take much to acquire, and could be as simple as a cash deal or a very low-end prospect in Single-A that needs a fresh start.