Spring Training might be a week away but the plot has already begun to thicken for many teams. While everyone has their own issues, the Philadelphia Phillies have somehow gone under the radar till now. The Fightin’ Phils lost the NLCS battle by one game but that hasn’t swayed the management’s trust in the current roster. But that trust brings forth a dilemma regarding Zack Wheeler. A dilemma that has become bigger ever since the team got linked with Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery.
Wheeler, alongside Aaron Nola, has been the centerpiece of the Phillies’ starting lineup. However, at 33, there’s always a threat of age catching up to Wheeler. It’s that fear that has left the Phillies confused – do they re-sign Wheeler or do they let him enter free agency next year?
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The Philadelphia Phillies playing a game of fire
Even after almost making it to consecutive Fall Classics, the Phils are surrounded by silence. It’s partly due to the Dodgers stealing everyone’s thunder and mostly because of the Phils’ inactive offseason. But with the Spring Training nearing, they’ve suddenly come into the limelight, owing to negotiations with Zack Wheeler. The Athletic reports that “It will cost serious money to extend the relationship, but all indications are the two sides (Phiilies and Wheeler) want to find common ground.”
It does make sense that Wheeler and the Phillies want to continue their relationship. In his 4 years with the Phils, Wheeler has a 43-25 record with a 3.06 ERA. While last season he had a little dip with a 3.61 ERA, Wheeler nonetheless won the Gold Glove award. With a 2.42 ERA in the postseason, the pitcher is one of the standout performers for the Phils. But that’s where the dilemma begins.
Wheeler will be 34 by May, a physical decline could set in any time now. While one can say that the pitcher has successfully maintained his level, he is no doubt in a tricky place currently. Re-signing him would require a hefty amount. Are the Phils willing to take this risk? Especially as alternative pitchers like Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery are being linked to them as well.
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Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery – A serious connection?
Bob Nightengale of USA Today had called the Phillies a “Sleeper” to sign Jordan Montgomery. However, he also added that the asking price of Monty will have to be reduced before the Phils can stake a claim. Similarly, there have been on-and-off links with Snell. The general feeling is that the Phils need to improve their rotation and either of these two pitchers will prove to be game-changers.
It’s a known fact that Bryce Harper likes to be involved in the recruitment process. There’s a giant Scott Boras-shaped link between these players and Harper. Although it’s just a speculation as of now, will one be surprised if any of these two join the Phils?
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Deepanshi Bajaj