Phillies: An Early Look At Who Philadelphia Could Re-Sign in 2018

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Mar 15, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; United States pitcher Pat Neshek (17) delivers a pitch during the eighth inning against the Venezuela during the 2017 World Baseball Classic at Petco Park. The United States won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

The Phillies will have several decisions to make next offseason in regards to which players – if any – the team will bring back for 2018.

2017 will be a big stepping stone for the Philadelphia Phillies. It will be a year in which the Philly faithful finally begins to lay eyes on the future of the franchise. It is also a year in which the Phillies have many questions to answer regarding the next few seasons

General manager Matt Klentak did an excellent job filling some of the holes on the roster. However, many of the key pieces on the roster are either entering the last year of their deals or are only on one year contracts.

This leaves Philadelphia exposed to the mercy of the free agent market. That is, however, if they cannot manage to take matters into their own hands.

Let’s take an early look at some of the players that the club may be interested in re-signing after the 2017 season .

Starting Pitcher Jeremy Hellickson

Jeremy Hellickson signed a $17.2 million qualifying offer last offseason after his nice performance in 2016. He will become an unrestricted free agent after the season and, at 29, could be the veteran anchor this rotation needs to compete for the long haul.

That is, if he is not traded first. As is the nature with a rebuilding process, nearly every player on a one year deal this year could be dealt come the trade deadline and Hellickson is no exception.

Mar 10, 2017; Clearwater, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Howie Kendrick (47) throws his bat as he strikes out during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Spectrum Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Left Fielder/Infielder Howie Kendrick

Howie Kendrick is an interesting case. At 33, it is clear that he is not going to be apart of the long term success of the ball club.

Kendrick will likely serve as a stop gap until Nick Williams and Roman Quinn are ready to take over the reigns full time. However, if the front office feels that neither Quinn or Williams are ready, it may be possible that you see Kendrick in red pinstripes in 2018.

Starting Pitcher Clay Buchholz

Put this is the “I hope this one works out category”. Clay Buchholz could shine in Philadelphia, but he could also falter.

So far this spring training, it’s been the latter. Buchholz is pitching to the tune of a 7.56 ERA in three games so far this Spring and has a 1.44 WHIP to add to that. If Buchholz can regain his 2010-2013 form, he could earn himself a multi-year deal in Philadelphia.

However, if that was the case, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the former Red Sox standout shipped out by the deadline.

Mar 10, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; USA pitcher Pat Neshek (17) reacts after a strike out in the ninth inning against Colombia during the 2017 World Baseball Classic at Marlins Park. USA wins 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

Relief Pitchers Jeanmar Gomez, Pat Neshek and Joaquin Benoit

Enter the mercenaries, the journeymen, the relievers.

More from That Balls Outta Here

Although all different ages, all three of these right handers have a very similar outlook for the future. Each has the potential of being a key piece in the back end of a much upgraded Phillies bullpen, however, it will be interesting to see which ones will be around passed July.

Joaquin Benoit, 39, will be trying to pitch himself into one last chance at a World Series while Pat Neshek and Jeanmar Gomez, neither young by any standard, could find themselves moved to contending teams to sure up a bullpen for a playoff run.

You can almost guarantee that Benoit will be a one and done in South Philadelphia but it is reasonable to expect to see both Neshek and Gomez back with the team in 2018.

Sep 16, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; The Phillie Phanatic against the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park. The Philadelphia Phillies won 4-3 in the eleventh inning. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Conclusion

In reality, a situation like the one the Phillies find themselves in right now is complex. Many of the players brought in this offseason or that are coming to the end of their contracts are here for oe reason…a bridge to the future.