The Phillies will have some major decisions to make regarding the future of their starting rotation this offseason
After reportedly having free agent Patrick Corbin at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday the Phillies are signaling their intent on adding a reliable pitcher to their starting rotation along with Aaron Nola and Jake Arrieta.
Philadelphia has a motley of starting pitching depth at the top of their organization behind Arrieta and Nola. Last year they started 10 pitchers and return nine to the 40-man roster, Ben Lively being the lone exception. Along with Arrieta and Nola the Phillies have Zach Eflin, Nick Pivetta, Jerad Eickhoff, Vince Velasquez, Enyel De Los Santos, Ranger Suarez, and Drew Anderson.
It’s likely the Phillies start De Los Santos, Suarez, and Anderson, all members of their top-30 prospect list, in the minors next year. Anderson is a potential bullpen candidate after making four relief appearances last year and not being as highly-regarded around baseball compared to Suarez and De Los Santos.
That leaves Eflin, Pivetta, Eickhoff, and Velasquez battling for two spots, assuming the Phillies acquire just one starting pitcher this offseason.
Each of those four players has had tremendous highs and lows since joining the Phillies, as well as injury concerns. Can any of those players step up and be a reliable number four or five starter going forward, or will the become trade bait this offseason?
Here’s how fans voted when we asked which pitcher should be a lock to make the rotation.
Which pitcher should be a lock to make the Phillies 2019 rotation
— PHILLIES TBOH (@FS_TBOH) November 27, 2018
Here are cases for each of those four guys to either make the rotation or be shopped this offseason.