The Philadelphia Phillies lost Ranger Suárez to the Boston Red Sox this offseason, but their rotation is still in a good spot. However, they could benefit from adding some depth.
Zack Wheeler could miss time to start the year. Taijuan Walker was better last season, but has been inconsistent overall for the Phillies. Andrew Painter figures to make his debut next season, but what’s the plan if he isn’t a star right away? The Phillies likely do not need to go spend on an arm like Framber Valdez. However, a veteran like Justin Verlander could make sense.
Verlander will be going into year 21 next season, and while he is not the ace he once was, he can still be a quality option. He had a 3.85 ERA in 29 starts last season, and Fox Sports called the Phillies a fit for him.
“Signing Verlander would, theoretically, move Taijuan Walker to the bullpen on a full-time basis; Walker made 13 appearances out of the bullpen last season,” wrote Fox on Tuesday. “Plus, Verlander should come at an affordable rate (say, a one-year, $10 million deal). The Phillies have been eliminated in the NL Division Series in each of the last two seasons, but the positional talent – highlighted by Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and Trea Turner – and rotation core are still in place to contend for the pennant. It’s a matter of coming through in crunch time and, beforehand, ascertaining that they have competent depth across the board. Verlander fits the bill.”
Verlander is a future Hall of Famer, and his postseason experience alone is worth having. He has pitched in 38 postseason games and has gone to the World Series five times in his career. He has a 3.58 postseason ERA.
He is a former MVP, three-time Cy Young Award winner, two-time World Series champion, two-time ERA champion and a Triple Crown winner. He is the active leader in bWAR, innings pitched and strikeouts.
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