Matt Klentak and the Phillies aren't taking the offseason slowly thus far, nudging their way into several rumors and moves already.
Today, Jim Salisbury is reporting that the team is trying to work out a trade - Klentak's first with the Phillies - to increase their ability to digest innings in the rotation.
Phillies are working on trade to acquire RHP Jeremy Hellickson from Az, according to sources
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyCSN) November 14, 2015
Hellickson, exactly the type of guy that makes you go "mmm," is also exactly the type of guy the Phillies would probably be looking to acquire. But through a trade currently being finalized? Who would the Phillies want to part with in exchange for the 28-year-old? Are they just bringing him in so they can disappear him for breaking Maikel Franco's wrist this past season?
It's been quite the plummet for Hellickson, the 2011 AL Rookie of the Year with the Rays, which is how you wind up getting reeled in by a team in the Phillies' position. In somewhat cooler news, his nickname is "Hellboy."
The right-hander posted a 4.62 ERA in 2015, with 121 SO, 43 BB, 7.5 SO/9, and 0.0 WAR through 27 starts and 146 IP. Those numbers are, to the Phillies, worth Sam McWilliams, a 20-year-old RHP. This is, sadly, not great news, according to those in the know.
McWilliams was the most improved player I saw last year at any level https://t.co/hwdkEGAJQd
— Chris King (@StatsKing) November 14, 2015