Phillies sim trade: Adding bullpen depth with Bryan Shaw

Philadelphia needs to address their bullpen depth with veteran relievers

As part of the FanSided MLB offseason simulation, the Phillies were searching for veteran relievers who could provide depth and eat innings for a bullpen that lost several key players to injury last offseason.

The Colorado Rockies have several veteran relievers on multi-year contracts who have struggled in the Rocky Mountain air, suggesting a change in scenery would be best for them.

Bryan Shaw, who recently turned 32, was a workhorse in the Cleveland Indians bullpen for years, leading the league in appearances three times and pitching with an ERA under three twice.

Since signing a three-year $27 million contract with Colorado Shaw has struggled mightily with an ERA of 5.61 in over 126 innings. There are two years worth $9 million each left on his contract and the Rockies representatives in our mock offseason were more than happy to talk about moving him.

In our mock trade the Rockies received left-handed pitcher Taylor Lehman, a 34th round pick in 2014 who pitched in Williamsport and Lakewood last season. Turning 24 years old in December, the unranked southpaw prospect is years away from potentially factoring into a major league team.

Colorado was willing to pay half of Shaw’s salary for one year in the deal, which helps the Phillies as they look to spend more money this offseason.

Shaw started last season in Colorado strong with a 1.00 ERA in his first 15 games. Colorado overused him early, throwing him out for 19 innings in their first 31 games. He made 30 appearances by the end of May and was used much less down the stretch.

Shaw certainly isn’t a slam dunk acquisition for the Phillies, but they paid very little in terms of prospects and they got money back to help cover his contract. In a weak reliever market, Philadelphia can at least hope Shaw finds new life in red pinstripes.