Phillies' Bids For Cheap Pitchers Failed

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The Philadelphia Phillies have a streak they would like to break when it comes to building up their pitching staff.

Sure, the Phillies were able to get Aaron Nola into a new deal for seven years and more than $170 million. Yes, the Phillies are set on extending Zack Wheeler and he seems open to the thought.

But building up depth in the bullpen has been a bit more difficult.

Per USA Today, the Phillies have swung and missed on three relievers that could have given them more options going into spring training. Per the publication, the three relievers the Phillies made bids on were Jakob Junis, Jordan Hicks and Robert Stephenson.

Junis signed a two-year deal with the Brewers. That contract, reportedly, was for a $7 million guarantee, with $4 million of that coming this season. Junis may have seen a chance to be a starter again in Milwaukee after spending a couple of seasons with San Francisco swinging between the rotation and the bullpen.

Hicks opted to sign with the Giants. The long-time set-up man and part-time closer will move into a starting role with the Giants, something he probably could not have done with the Phillies.

Stephenson signed with the Los Angeles Angels, another team that needed relief help.

The Phillies have a solid-looking rotation going into the regular season, led by Nola and Wheeler. Potential starters including Ranger Suárez, Taijuan Walker, Cristopher Sánchez, Kolby Allard, Max Castillo and Spencer Turnbull.

Closer will be a key competition in spring training and that’s an area where Hicks could have helped the Phillies, if Hicks didn’t have the desire to start. José Alvarado, Seranthony Domínguez, Gregory Soto and Orion Kerkering figure to get shots at closing games during spring training.