Phillies: Does Matt Klentak Have Any More Moves to Make?
MLB’s Winter Meetings are almost over, and the Phillies made very few moves
Matt Klentak’s second offseason as the Phillies general manager has been as uneventful as expected. After gaining a major haul for Ken Giles last year, Klentak came into the offseason with only a handful of holes to address.
With so few holes to be addressed, Klentak seems to have wrapped up the most exciting moves heading into 2017.
What else is there needed to be done at this point? First, lets look at what Klentak wanted to focus on at the end of the season.
- Strengthen the bullpen
- Add a veteran bat
- Build starting rotation and bullpen depth
- Decide whether or not to add a catcher
- Add young talent
Philadelphia’s bullpen went from very good to pitiful last season. Jeanmar Gomez’ dominance wore out along with his arm, and the lack of arms and struggle of the starters put more stress on the relievers.
Pat Neshek and Joaquin Benoit were acquired, adding some much needed experience to the ‘pen. The two combined to pitch 95 innings last season, but Benoit will be 40 in July. You can not rely on having simply those two as the grizzled veterans. A return of Joe Blanton could be on the horizon after he dominated in the Dodgers bullpen.
Neftali Feliz, Michael Dunn, and Ross Ohlendorf could be names the Phillies take a look at, but it appears Klentak is for the most part done. Should the opportunity present itself he will add another arm, as long as the youth doesn’t suffer.
Pete Mackanin desperately wanted to add a veteran bat, and Klentak delivered. Howie Kendrick is projected to start the season at the Phillies left fielder, although he can also play second if Cesar Hernandez is moved.
Mackanin said he would love another major league bat to help Maikel Franco, Odubel Herrera, and Tommy Joseph develop. Any trade involving the acquisition of a big bat would cost the Phillies some talent, such as Hernandez or Herrera.
Names such as Andrew McCutchen, Brian Dozier, and J.D. Martinez have been thrown around, but the likely hood of any of those happening is slim. Martinez makes some sense, while Dozier would simply be a luxury based on his 40 home run potential.
Signing or trading for an impact bat of t hat magnitude won’t happen. Reserves such as Brandon Moss, Logan Morrison, or Daniel Nava could compete for a job on a young team. Utility men such as Andres Blanco, Daniel Descalso, or Stephen Drew could fill that role.
Jeremy Hellickson was originally not expected to sign the Phillies qualifying offer, but the lack of interest due to the draft pick cost resulted in his return.
The majority of the Phillies 2017 rotation is set at this point of the offseason. Barring injury, Aaron Nola, Zach Eflin, Jared Eickhoff, and Vincent Velasquez are projected to join Hellickson on opening day.
Top pitching prospects Jake Thompson, Ben Lively, and Nick Pivetta could also compete for a job. Thompson showed promise, but needs to refine some things in the minors. Lively and Pivetta flashed potential in Lehigh Valley, but are expected to head a strong Iron Pigs squad.
On the free agent market, there are a handful of interesting options. On low-risk, high-reward deals, pitchers such as Tyson Ross, Kris Medlen, Nathan Eovaldi, or Tim Lincecum are available.
Veterans who could be signed to minor league contracts such as Jair Jurrjens, Ross Detweiler, or Ruby De La Rosa are also the kind of move Klentak would make.
After trading Carlos Ruiz and seeing A.J. Ellis sign with the Marlins, the Phillies could use a veteran back-up catcher.
However, Klentak believes Andrew Knapp is ready to start the season in the big leagues behind Cameron Rupp. Signing a veteran is still on the table for Klentak, but for now there’s a plan in place.
Rupp carries very few concerns after having a strong season as the full-time starter over Ruiz. You’ll wonder how Knapp and Rupp will split time if both make the 25-man roster, and if Knapp will benefit from sitting on the bench.
The switch-hitting Knapp could see time against righties after Rupp hit just .237 last season against them. On the other hand, 12 of Rupp’s 16 home runs were against righties.
We know Rupp has the raw power to send a pitch into the seats, but his biggest success comes against the righties.
Josh Thole or Jarrod Saltalamacchia could be signed if Klentak changes his mind regarding a veteran, but it looks like he is ready to give Knapp a chance.
Last year the Phillies added several young players, whether through trade or the Rule 5 Draft. The Giles trade injected even more talent into the system, but thus far the Phillies have not had the opportunity to make a similar move.
I don’t blame Klentak for not moving a player like Hernandez or Herrera for a package of questions. Undoubtedly conversations were had regarding not just those two, but several other players.
Don’t rule out a trade still taking place, especially Hernandez considering Howie Kendrick is now on the roster. Klentak may not get the kind of haul Giles or Hamels commanded, but the more talent the merrier.
Next: One Year Deals That Can be Accomplished
It appears Klentak is done making the major moves, but don’t be surprised if something comes up. No one is untouchable for this team, and that makes this offseason even more intriguing.