MLB Trade Rumors: Phillies to Allow Jayson Werth to Walk after 2010 Season?

by Ray Guilfoyle on Dec 19, 2009 12:00 PM EST in Baseball

The Toronto Blue Jays wanted a package headlined by Phillies top prospect Domonic Brown when discussing dealing Roy Halladay to the Phillies last July. The Phillies changed course and traded for Cliff Lee. This offseason, Alex Anthopolous asked for a package that included Domonic Brown. This time, the Phillies enticed the Blue Jays with previously untouchable pitching prospect Kyle Drabek instead.

Couple the fact that the Phillies refused the deal Brown with the fact that outfielder Jayson Werth will become a free agent at the end of the 2010 season, and one may conclude that the Phillies may allow Werth to walk after the season. By that time, Brown may be ready to take over in right field, In addition the Phils just signed Halladay to a 3 year extension for $20 million per year and already have the following salary commitments:

Ryan Howard-$20 million
Chase Utley-$15 million
Raul Ibanez-$10 million
Jimmy Rollins-$8 million
Placido Polanco-$6 million
Joe Blanton-a raise from his 2009 salary of $5.75 million
Brad Lidge-$9 million
Roy Halladay-$15.75 million

That's approximately $86 million to 8 players on their 25 man roster. That doesn't include what Shane Victorino will get in salary arbitration. The Phillies are becoming the Yankees of the National League.

That won't be the only reason for letting Werth walk. If Brown continues to hit like he has in High A and AA in 2009, and shows some improved power and defense in right field, he could find himself in the Phillies starting lineup in 2011.

Oh, did I mention that I recently traded for Brown in the UBA league, so I am rooting for him.

Poll

Will the Phillies let Jayson Werth become a free agent after the 2010 season?

Yes, he will command at least $10 million per year.

207 votes

No, they will trade Shane Victorino and re-sign Werth

156 votes

363 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Such a great question...

…as there will be so much going into the decision. Besides the progress of Dom Brown, what if Ibanez starts to slide? If Anthony Gose or Tyson Gillies take big jumps forward, that could make Victorino expendable. Polanco is most likely going to bat 2nd for the Phillies for the forseeable future. Who would you rather have if you were the Phils? An above average 7-hole hitter in Shane or a RH 30-30 threat to hit behind LH hitters Howard and Utley?

by Steve @ MLB Fantasy Prospects on Dec 19, 2009 12:25 PM EST reply actions

from Paul Hagen at the Philly Daily News

“That means the Phillies could have an interesting offseason after the 2011 season when Rollins, first baseman Ryan Howard, closer Brad Lidge and centerfielder Shane Victorino are all eligible for free agency. In addition, lefthander Cole Hamels and catcher Carlos Ruiz should be a year away from free agency.”

All the more reason to let Werth walk or trade Vic after the 2010 season.

raygu

by Ray Guilfoyle on Dec 19, 2009 2:59 PM EST reply actions

brown...

I see Victorino and Hamels gone during or after this season to a contender like the Angels; prospects and a solid third basemen in return. It also frees up salary. Hopefully, Savory, Carpenter, or Bastardo will be ready to start. Keep Werth!

mark ferraro

by ginzo on Dec 23, 2009 9:42 AM EST reply actions