The Philadelphia Phillies could potentially be parting with a key piece of their rotation.
According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Phillies have communicated to teams that they are facing a financial crunch and are listening to offers for starting pitcher Zack Wheeler.
Wheeler, 30, is the second-highest paid player on the Phillies – whom they signed to a five-year, $118 million deal just last winter.
In 11 starts, Wheeler went 4-2 with a 2.92 ERA and struck out 53 batters in 71 innings pitched in his first season with the Phillies. If he is indeed on the trading block, he would become one of the more sought after pitchers this winter in a market thin on quality free-agent starting pitchers.
While the Phillies have appeared to indicate they are trying to cut salary, they have not given any indication that Bryce Harper – the team’s highest-paid player – is available.
Many MLB teams have signaled they are struggling due to the coronavirus pandemic, which shortened the 2020 season without fans. The Phillies laid off 80 front-office employees earlier this year and also demoted general manager Matt Klentak, leaving the team still in search for someone to oversee baseball operations.
The Phillies have been aggressive in adding pieces to contend in recent years, but selling Wheeler could be an indication that the team is moving in a different direction.
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