Phillies news: How they can free up $100 million by 2021

Being Aggressive in the Trade Market

Jean Segura is set to make $14.85 million in 2021, Andrew McCutchen is set to make $20 million, and Odubel Herrera is set to make a whopping $10.35 million. As long as Klentak is willing to be aggressive, that’s an additional $45 million the Phillies could see become available next offseason.

After struggling to live up to the hype which surrounded him during the trade last year, Segura seems to be the most likely trade victim after the 2020 season. He routinely struggled defensively last summer (career-high 20 errors), and saw his batting average drop 24 total points. The Phillies news we watched the most this year is that they were already beginning to transition him to third base during spring training, and with Alec Bohm set to become the long term everyday starter at the position, the need for Segura and his expensive salary is dwindling.

McCutchen, on the other hand, did, in fact, impress early on into his Phillies career. Recording an OPS of .834 through the first 59 games of the season, it looked like the Phillies had found a gem at the leadoff position. Unfortunately, a torn ACL derailed the rest of McCutchen’s debut season. At 33 years old (soon to be 34), there’s no guarantee he comes back at the same level.

Similar to Gregorius, I’m sure the Phillies would probably prefer to keep the former Pirates’ outfielder around for another few seasons. However, if a decent trade opportunity presents itself, moving off that $20 million salary is a simple decision.

Trade Herrera, cut Herrera, it doesn’t really matter. Getting the former All-Star off the roster in 2021 is almost guaranteed at this point in time. Keep an eye out for that bit of Phillies news in the coming months.