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Phillies: Breaking down the 2020 starting pitcher market

By George Stockburger

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - AUGUST 03: Starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg #37 of the Washington Nationals pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the MLB game at Chase Field on August 03, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks defeated the Nationals 18-7. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - AUGUST 03: Starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg #37 of the Washington Nationals pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the MLB game at Chase Field on August 03, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks defeated the Nationals 18-7. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 29: Dallas Keuchel #60 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on July 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 29: Dallas Keuchel #60 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on July 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

Veteran arms available

Dallas Keuchel

The Phillies were lukewarm on Dallas Keuchel last offseason and didn’t give him much attention this summer when the rotation was falling over itself. Why would they be interested in Keuchel when he’s another year older asking for a deal similar to the one from last year?

Unless Keuchel, who has a 3.86 ERA for Atlanta, emerges as the Phillies best option, don’t expect a heavy push this offseason.

Hyun-Jin Ryu

Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies /

Philadelphia Phillies

After pitching seven seasons in Korea, Hyun-Jin Ryu began his major league career with two 14 win seasons. An injury took him out from 2015-16 and he made just 40 starts over the next two seasons. Finally healthy, Ryu is a Cy Young candidate with an incredible 1.53 ERA and a league-high 273 ERA+. Ryu would join Bob Gibson, Dwight Gooden, and Greg Maddox as the only players since 1920 with an ERA under 1.60.

Turning 33 this offseason, Ryu could be a reigning Cy Young candidate on the open market. With a lengthy injury history and 2,000 innings on his arm since 2006 (just over 300 since 2014) Ryu has a lot of question marks surrounding him. Would he leave a championship contender on the west coast to join the Phillies?

Cole Hamels

Phillies fans would love to see Cole Hamels end his career in Philadelphia, and it’s something he’s publically been open to. After mixed success in Texas, Hamels has found himself again with the Cubs. Since the trade last summer Hamels has a 2.64 ERA in 30 games.

Turning 36 this offseason, how much does Hamels have left to give? The Phillies could probably get Hamels on a hometown discount for two or three years to write a storybook ending for one of the great homegrown pitchers in franchise history.

Four 10 win seasons averaging 100 strikeouts would give Hamels 200 career wins and 3,000 career strikeouts. Every pitcher with 3,000 strikeouts except Roger Clemens and Curt Schilling are in the Hall of Fame. With a career WAR already over 60, one final push with a second ring could give Hamels a push towards Cooperstown

Next. 50 greatest phillies of all-time. dark

Other notable pitchers potentially available: Rich Hill, Zack Wheeler, Rick Porcello, Tanner Roark, Alex Wood, Jake Odorizzi, Ivan Nova, Drew Smyly

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