Phillies: Jeremy Hellickson Accepts $17.2 Million Qualifying Offer
By Gary Brinson
Jeremy Hellickson has finally made his decision, and now he’ll be sticking around with the Phillies for another season.
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Heading into the offseason, Jeremy Hellickson’s decision regarding his $17.2 million qualifying offer was a huge one for the Phillies. Would he and agent Scott Boras pounce on the poor free agent pitching market? Or would he take his $17.2 million and try again next year?
Well, per Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, Hellickson will now be sticking with the club for the 2017 season as he accepted the qualifying offer of $17.2 million for one season.
The decision comes as a bit of a surprise considering how weak the starting pitching market is this free agency period. But nonetheless, Hellickson is back in Philly for another year, and at least provides the Phils with a rotation stabilizer.
Reality Settled In
Hellickson must have been weary of his draft pick attachment (whichever club he had signed with, would’ve surrendered their first round pick next season). With an injury history and lack of this consistent of pitching, Hellickson took the hefty one-year deal while he could.
Related Story: Hellickson Should Accept Qualifying Offer
Now, he’ll make a career high $17.2 million, and be in the same position he was in this past season. Not a bad deal for Hellickson.
Hellickson also becomes the first player to accept this offseason, and just the fourth player in history to accept the qualifying offer.
Whats Next?
At this moment, Hellickson would sit to be the Phillies number 1 or 2 starter heading into next year. His 12-10 record, 3.71 ERA, 3.98 FIP, and 1.153 WHIP in 189 IP will be more than welcomed back for this young rotation.
The club can still trade Hellickson if the value is there at the deadline and the team is out of contention. So while not getting that first round pick in the 21-31 range will be a bit of a downer, the team can still get value from Hellickson on the field, and in the future. If need be.
Next: What's Following The Howie Kendrick Trade?
The team now seems to have all of their rotation filled up for next season (Hellickson, Eickhoff, Velasquez, Nola, Thompson), but with this club, anything can happen at any moment that could change that.
Do the Phillies go get another veteran arm now? Do they ride with Hellickson and the youngsters? Stay tuned for more as Hot Stove season continues.