On the pitching side, Iâd throw whatever it took at Cole to get him, but by all accounts he wants to go home to Anaheim and I expect they feel the same way about whatever it takes.
Strasbourg seems likely to head to either the Padres or resign with Washington, although Iâd probably give him $180 over 7-8 years (same theory as the 13 year Harper contract - heâs worth $30m a year, but why not tack on an extra year or even two at roughly the same money to bring down the AAV even if you have to release him on the back end). Donât know that the Phillies will be willing to risk that kind of money for a pitcher though.
That brings me back to Hamels (who I can see taking a 4yr, $60m contract with an Arrietta structure - it is two years guaranteed at $15-18m/per, with a mutual 2 year extension at the same money or an opt out, each of which can be exercised after the first 2 years.
Can also see Zach Wheeler at 4yrs, $100m. A rotation of Nola/Wheeler/Arrietta/Hamels/Eflin (with VV and NP in the pen or AAA in NPâs case) in 2020 and hopefully Nola/Wheeler/Hamels/Eflin/Howard in 2021 would be good, and hopefully that gives us another couple years to grow a couple more potential arms for when Hamels is gone or in serious decline or there are injuries.
Biggest downside is another year without 2nd/3rd round picks.
