Phillies facing arbitration hearing with Aaron Nola, agree to terms with eight other players

SAN DIEGO, CA - AUGUST 11: Aaron Nola #27 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on August 11, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - AUGUST 11: Aaron Nola #27 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on August 11, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)

A big arbitration case could be coming the Phillies way this winter

The Phillies failed to reach an agreement with ace Aaron Nola prior to Friday’s deadline, and are slated to go to arbitration.

Philadelphia can still attempt to work out a deal with Nola, who finished third in the Cy Young race last year.

The following players reached an agreement with Philadelphia before Friday’s 1:00 p.m. deadline: outfielder Aaron Altherr ($1.35 million), left-handers Jose Alvarez ($1.925 million) and Adam Morgan ($1.1 million), right-handers Jerad Eickhoff ($975,000), Hector Neris ($1.8 million) and Vince Velasquez ($2.249 million), third baseman Maikel Franco ($5.2 million) and second baseman Cesar Hernandez ($7.75 million).

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The Phillies would certainly like to avoid going to arbitration with Nola to avoid the unpleasantness of telling their best player why he’s not worth a certain amount of money.

It’s not known what Philadelphia’s best offer was or what Nola’s camp countered with entering the deadline. Nola made just $573,000 last year, crumbs considering what he brought to the team.

Despite his early success, Nola’s deal likely won’t rank him among the highest-paid pitchers in baseball. Jacob deGrom, who bested Nola in the Cy Young race, will make $17 million next year after avoiding arbitration with the Mets.

Noah Syndergaard agreed to a $6 million deal with New York after missing time with an injury.

It’s hard to feel out where Nola’s salary will land after the best season of his career. He still won’t be the highest-paid starting pitcher on the Phils with Jake Arrieta slated to make $25 million.

It wouldn’t shock me to see Nola get $5 million, but again, it’s a hard number to gauge.