2018-19 Phillies Off-Season News/Notes/Discussion

[Philsmania]

Machado scheduled to meet with Yankees on Wednesday (per NY Post) and Thursday with the Phillies (per Jim Salisbury).

Well, that could be good. When I used to interview for jobs, I always dreaded being the first to interview because, I theorized, everyone who came after you got to make more lasting impressions and was always contrasted to what you had to offer and, more importantly, what you did not have to offer.

And, per MLBTR, he's meeting with the White Sox today. Any chance he makes a decision end of this week?

[andyb]

And, per MLBTR, he's meeting with the White Sox today. Any chance he makes a decision end of this week?

I have to think there is a chance if the offers are good enough. Like Corbin it was a few days after all the visits. Of course if the offers are for $250 million and he wants $350, it might be a bit more complicated. If I were a free agent I probably would want to take care of this before the holidays.

[EDmuch]

Indians no longer likely to trade Kluber or Bauer since they shed enough salary this weekend in other trades.

[EDmuch]

If Phils sign Machado, they obviously would be trading Franco. I wonder if they have any ideas who would be interested in Franco. As I think about it, I am sure they probably have some ideas about where they would focus.

[Florida_Sunshine]

I think San Diego was earlier targeted as a potential landing spot.

[bigegypt0417]

If Phils sign Machado, they obviously would be trading Franco. I wonder if they have any ideas who would be interested in Franco. As I think about it, I am sure they probably have some ideas about where they would focus.

or do you try Franco at 3b,MM at SS and segura is your 2b?

[Philsmania]

If Phils sign Machado, they obviously would be trading Franco. I wonder if they have any ideas who would be interested in Franco. As I think about it, I am sure they probably have some ideas about where they would focus.

or do you try Franco at 3b,MM at SS and segura is your 2b?

In which case, Hernandez gets dealt. I very much doubt that we sign Machado and keep both Franco and Hernandez.

[EDmuch]

Well, at least they may have some choices.

[nycphils]

Hard to see who would want Cesar at his salary...too many other cheaper options that you don’t have to give up assets for.

[David_Criss]

San Diego and Kansas City have shown a small interest in Franco.

[Philsmania]

Hard to see who would want Cesar at his salary...too many other cheaper options that you don’t have to give up assets for.

It's always possible he or Franco could be non-tendered though you would hate to see them do that.

[LoneStarPhan]

I believe it is too late to non-tender players this year, but they will go to arbitration and I think players in spring training on arbitration contracts can be released with a payment of 30 or 45 days pay at that contract rate, depending when they are released during spring training.

[andyb]

It's always possible he or Franco could be non-tendered though you would hate to see them do that.

The non-tender deadline passed on November 30th. Arbitration numbers are not exchanged until January 11th, so we are tied into that process already. A player can be released prior to the season without paying 100% of the contract but you are locked into a share. Assume the Phillies will not go down that route with Franco.

[zambonir]

They both have value, it's just not huge. They won't anchor a package for a starting pitcher, for instance. Maybe if the Phillies whiff on Miller and Britton they could find a bullpen piece. Otherwise, a 15-30 type prospect and/or a lottery ticket. Easy enough to include money with Hernandez (or even keep him on the bench for a half-season).

[EDmuch]

The Phils should not whiff on MIiler AND Britton.

[Philsmania]

The Phils should not whiff on MIiler AND Britton.

Three weeks ago, I would have said the Phillies should not whiff on Corbin AND Happ but then the Nationals came out of the blue and blew out the competition for Corbin which, in turn, made the Yankees more desperate than us to sign Happ.

[fish]

Quote from McPhail today about the possibility of not signing Harper or Machado
“Whatever happens in the off-season is going to be forgotten on May 15...”

Hahahhahahahaha- boy is he in for a reality check if that is what happens.

[zambonir]

Well, if they are in first place on May 15 it might be. But if Brantley and Moustakas end up signing before Harper and Machado that could be a problem.

Not only could they whiff on the relievers but maybe they should. They have already added two lefthanders and one $9 million late-inning veteran in the past two weeks, and might go get a lefty starter too. The manager does not intend to anoint a closer, and Miller and Britton are both older and have injury history. If they don't get Miller (and really, why haven't they already?) and Boras won't let Britton sign until after Kimbrel does, they might have to consider alternatives. Trading a Franco or Hernandez for a late-inning arm might be one.

If they are unable to move one of Hunter or Neshek and keep Nicasio and Alvarez I almost don't see where the roster space is coming from, though others could be traded or released. But if they sign Miller and trade Neshek or Hunter what's the net gain? If Miller is healthy and back to peak form, that's worth 1-2 wins. If he's not, there's no gain.

[Patchmk88]

Brantley already signed today.

[zambonir]

Last I saw it was a rumor, but either way, yeah. There is no way to have a Harper back-up plan really. Another reason to prefer Machado really, at least they'll know what their shot is by Friday.

And if they lose him to the Yankees I guess they can trade for Andujar He can't field but he's still better/higher ceiling than Maikel.