The Philadelphia Phillies are surely an interesting case. They have an aging roster, and after general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. failed to make a trade before this year's deadline, the team is stuck with a number of expensive players. It's now believed Philadelphia is looking to sell anyone and everyone.
Unfortunately for the Phillies, the only player is seemingly gauging incessant interest is veteran ace Cole Hamels. The left-hander is 30 years old and has four years and $90 million left on his contract, but Philadelphia is seriously lacking in the starting rotation, so Amaro is hesitant to trade him unless he can get three top prospects in return. However, not many teams would be willing to surrender such value for a 30-year-old pitcher owed $90 million.
According to a rival executive at the General Managers' Meetings, the Phillies are hesitant to trade Hamels and young reliever Ken Giles, but otherwise "They're trying to blow the whole thing up. Everyone is for sale," via Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly. This comes as no surprise since first baseman Ryan Howard is owed $50 million through 2016, plus either a $23 million team option for 2017 or a $10 million buyout; starting pitcher Cliff Lee is owed $25 million in 2015, plus either a $27.5 million vesting option for 2016 or a $12.5 million buyout; closer Jonathan Papelbon will earn $13 million in 2015 with another $13 million coming his way in 2016 if he appears in 55 games in 2015; outfielder Marlon Byrd is owed $8 million in 2015 and likely another $8 million in 2016 with an attainable vesting option and; shortstop Jimmy Rollins and second baseman Chase Utley still have at least one year left on their contracts with decent salaries.
The team believes they'll be capable of moving Marlon Byrd, who has an affordable salary based on his production despite being in his late thirties. Howard, Lee and Papelbon are different stories. Howard has seen an unprecedented decline after the 2011 season, after which he's played in only 304 games in three seasons while maintaining a .233 batting average with 48 home runs and 194 RBIs. He ruptured his Achilles tendon halfway through the 2012 season, which helps explain his low output, but he's now become a serious liability thanks to his annual salary. Lee battled elbow issues in 2014 and only started in 13 games, posting a 4-5 record with a 3.65 ERA before being shut down for the season. Papelbon has no production issues, but $13 million per year for a closer is a hefty price tag.
The good news is that the Kansas City Royals have had internal discussions about trading for Ryan Howard because their payroll is expected to increase next season. They declined designated hitter Billy Butler's $12.5 million option and are desperately in need of a power-hitter, which Howard can provide, but not as effectively as his salary suggests. If the Phillies can relieve themselves of Howard it would be a great first step in their rebuilding process.
The General Managers' Meetings end on Thursday morning, so we'll be keeping an eye on any more rumors, speculation or trades that come out of Arizona.
