Future cash considerations
This is when spending smart comes into play. By spending heavy now because the money is there, the Phillies could be potentially shorting themselves in the future with upcoming free agent classes.
Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts becomes a free agent in 2020, no way do I feel the Red Sox will let him walk, but I said the same thing about Harper two years ago so stranger things can happen.
Arguably the best player in baseball, Philadelphia area native, Angels center fielder, Mike Trout becomes a free agent in 2020. I feel it’s almost guaranteed that the Phillies will take a heavy run at Trout.
Being from the area, an Eagles season ticket holder, and having the ability to play in front of friends and family regularly, the sales pitch is already set.
Fransisco Lindor, 25, who plays shortstop for the Cleveland Indians, is eligible in 2021.
If the Phillies front office feels the need to boost up the infield, Lindor would be the top candidate, as he will be for the majority of MLB teams.
You can’t forget that the Phillies will have to pay Aaron Nola and Rhys Hoskins in the not so distant future. Nola has two more years of arbitration eligibility after 2019, while Hoskins is under team control through the 2023 season.
Jean Segura is making at least $60 million over the next four seasons plus a $17 million option in five years.