With the Philadelphia Phillies (43-50) likely falling out of postseason contention after a surprisingly strong start to the season, the team is likely to sell before the trade deadline, with starting pitcher Jeremy Hellickson a potential trade chip.
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Marlins Among Teams Interested In Hellickson
Monday, July 18
Hellickson is reportedly on the "radar" of the Miami Marlins as they target starting pitchers before the August 1 MLB trade deadline, according to Joe Frisaro of MLB.com.
Hellickson appears to have several suitors. The Boston Red Sox, prior to trading for Drew Pomeranz, reportedly scouted the Phillies pitcher, per Jon Morosi of MLB Network. And Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly noted, "Plenty of teams are looking for a back-end, veteran starter like Hellickson and he is very much available."
Jayson Stark of ESPN also told 97.5 The Fanatic that the Phillies "have received interest on Hellickson."
Even Hellickson acknowledged he was aware of the trade rumors, per Salisbury:
Yeah, it's on my mind, just when I see it on Twitter or talk to you guys about it. But other than that, I'm focused every day doing what I have to do to get ready for my next start. Like I've said all along, I love it here. I'd love to be here the rest of the year, but obviously I've been through it before and know that side of the game. But, yeah, my focus is on here and my next start right now. When or if [a trade] happens, I’ll deal with it then. But right now my focus is here.
Hellickson, 29, is 6-7 this season in 19 starts with a 4.03 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 98 strikeouts in 111.2 innings.
He's unlikely to bring the Phillies a huge package of prospects as a back-end starter, but for a rebuilding club with plenty of young players who could benefit from the experience of playing regularly in the majors, moving him makes a lot of sense.
And for a team that is looking to bolster the rotation without breaking the bank, Hellickson is a viable option. Add it all up, and it seems likely that Philly will move the veteran starter before August 1.
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