Phillies Are “All In” According to Bob Nightengale
Last offseason, John Middleton made headlines with his “stupid money” comment. That “stupid money” netted the Phillies Bryce Harper. Could one of Harper’s former team-mates be next?
According to USA Todays Bob Nightengale, “the Philadelphia Phillies, luxury tax be damned, plan to strongly pursue free-agent third baseman Anthony Rendon, two people with direct knowledge told USA TODAY Sports.”
Nightengale went on to say that the Phillies have traded in their “stupid money” to go “all in” again this offseason.
The Phillies interest in Rendon makes a ton of sense from a standpoint of where they are currently. Coming into the offseason, the Phillies needed a few improvements to their roster. Improvements that included top rotation arm, infield help, bullpen arms, and another “A” quality player to pair with Harper, Hoskins, & Realmuto.
On Wednesday, the Phillies crossed one of those things off their list with the signing of Zach Wheeler. Wheeler is expected to be the #2 starter and give the Phillies a good 1-2 punch with Aaron Nola.
With Nightengale’s report, it looks like the Phillies are looking to cross two things off at once with Rendon. Rendon would solidify a 3B position that has been mediocre at best over the past few seasons with Maikel Franco. But, would also bring another “A” quality player to Philadelphia.
If John Middleton takes the same “no-one will outbid me” approach as he did with Bryce Harper last season, Rendon should be a Phillie. But, there is some major ramifications that come with signing Rendon. The biggest being the thing Rendon would need to sign here, MONEY.
At the moment, with Wheeler’s projection number in the fold, the Phillies have about $22M left before they hit the first tax threshold. A threshold they can pass but will have to pay a 20% tax on.
With other positions of need still needing to be addressed, it may be a tough pill to swallow for the Phillies. The last time the Phillies hit the threshold was in 2011. Which was also the last time the Phillies made the playoffs.
But, the question goes back to how much John Middleton wants to get his DAMN TROPHY BACK. How badly Middleton wants his trophy may reflect on his spending and Rendon would show the fans and his clubhouse, there is no amount of money he will not spend to win.