
Despite a rocky performance against the Cubs Hellickson has returned to Rookie of the Year form. After Klentak gave the entire league sticker shock last offseason the Phillies are likely to be slightly more willing to move Hellickson.
That may not be the case, however, if the Phillies can build a case saying they want Hellickson to lead the rotation going forward. With so many questions circling the Phillies pitching prospects, a case can be made for extending Hellickson.
Next: Phillies: How to approach the 2017 MLB Draft
More likely than not, the 30-year-old will find himself in a new clubhouse by mid-August. A rebuilding club like Philadelphia will be tough in trade negotiations, but more reasonable than last year. Klentak was smart to ask for as much as he had last year when they could’ve gotten a first round compensatory pick had Hellickson declined the qualifying offer.
Teams to Watch: New York Mets, New York Yankees