Major League Baseball

Philadelphia Phillies Have a Decision to Make with Jeremy Hellickson

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 1:46 a.m. ET

Fansided, David Hill/FanSided via Call to the Pen

To keep Jeremy Hellickson, or to trade him for prospects? That is the question the Philadelphia Phillies have to be asking themselves.

At this point in the season, it seems fair to say that the Phillies will once again be sellers at the trade deadline. With a 13-20 record, and already nine games out of the National League East, dreams of contention are still at least a year away. However, that expected trade deadline sell of may not involve Jeremy Hellickson.

Philadelphia found themselves in the same situation with Hellickson last year as well. They surprisingly kept him on board, despite being well out of contention by the end of July, and retained the starter with a qualifying offer. With Hellickson off to a solid start this season, posting a 4-1 record with a 3.49 ERA and a 1.086 WHiP, he could, in theory, fetch a decent return on the trade market.

Given his decent start, and the Phillies continued goal of rebuilding, it is not a surprise that the Phillies are willing to listen to offers for Hellickson. However, if they are serious about trading their top pitcher, Philadelphia may want to do so in the near future. Behind that solid ERA and sparkling WHiP are some concerning numbers, such as a his 5.33 FIP and his 4.0 K/9 rate.

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However, a trade from Philadelphia is not a given at this point. The Phillies were also known to be considering an extension for Hellickson two weeks ago. However, given his peripheral statistics, one has to be concerned with the type of contract that Hellickson would demand.

Chances are, the question of whether or not Hellickson remains with the Phillies into August will not be answered until closer to the trade deadline. If Hellickson's performance gets closer to what is expected, then not only would his cost to extend decrease, but his trade value would drop as well.

Hellickson could have a role going forward in Philadelphia. As a solid middle of the rotation starter, he could provide generally worry free innings, helping to save the bullpen for those moments when a talented, but erratic, starting rotation struggles. Likewise, having been a part of a playoff chase in Tampa Bay, he can help mentor the young pitchers in regards to preparation and how to handle the pressure of a pennant run.

The Jeremy Hellickson saga for the Philadelphia Phillies is far from over. It will be an interesting couple of months as the Phillies attempt to determine his future with the team.