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The Philadelphia Phillies are in need of some emergency replacements when it comes to starting pitching, as they still haven’t replaced Ranger Suarez, and their ace, Zack Wheeler, is going to start the season on the IL. And with only guys like Taijuan Walker and Andrew Painter available as replacements, snagging a veteran pitcher from free agency seems like a good idea.
Fansided’s Zachary Rotman believes so too, and predicts the Phillies could be a dark horse to sign veteran starting pitcher Zack Littell. Littell provides depth to a rotation that desperately needs it, and can be a solid backend pitcher upon Wheeler’s return.
“The same can be said about the Philadelphia Phillies, though. Zack Wheeler is expected to begin the year on the IL, and Ranger Suarez left in free agency, leaving them short-handed in their rotation. They hope Taijuan Walker can give them adequate innings, and that top prospect Andrew Painter is MLB-ready, but neither of those things are a certainty. Littell isn't the best fit in a hitter-friendly ballpark in Philly, as he can be susceptible to the long ball, but beggars can't be choosers this time of year. The Phillies need depth, and Littell can provide that at a high level,” Rotman wrote.
This past season, Littell posted a 10-8 record, a 3.81 ERA, 130 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.104 over 186 innings pitched. Overall, those are some great numbers for a depth starter, and is probably better than whatever Walker or Painter can produce.
As for a contract, Littell is projected to receive a three-year, $39 million deal, but considering Spring Training has just begun, and his market hasn’t heated up at all, the Phillies could probably get him on a rental.
Hopefully, the Phillies get to work on this, as they are a dark horse for a reason. Another more desperate team could swoop right in and take Littell from under them.
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