MLB: Philadelphia Phillies at New York Mets

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Jeremy Hellickson (58) pitches against the New York Mets during the first inning at Citi Field.

(Bill Streicher/USA Today Sports)

When the deadline to put one-year qualifying offers on soon-to-be free agents arrives, logic would dictate that the Phillies would place the $17.2M tender on starting pitcher Jeremy Hellickson.

But that doesn't mean the 29-year-old righty will accept it.



According on one rival executive, Hellickson's agent, Scott Boras, could persuade his client to spurn the offer and head out to free agency. That's the latest from Jon Heyman of Today's Knuckleball:



Some still think the Phillies could extend the $17.2-million qualifying offer to Jeremy Hellickson, with the hope he wouldn't take it but the knowledge they can afford it if he does. "As crazy as it seems," one rival exec says, "I think (agent Scott Boras) turns it down in this market." The market is so thin Hellickson is easily among the top few starters available.



If this scenario plays out, the Phillies could ultimately benefit--yet be challenged this winter.



If Hellickson rejects the offer and signs elsewhere on a free-agent deal, the Phillies will be granted a first-round pick. Considering the up-and-down nature of Hellickson's career, that's pretty good value for losing the veteran.

Re-sign Hellickson before FA?



On the other hand, the Phillies would be presented with two immediate challenges if--or when--Hellickson declines: Deciding how much he would be worth on a long-term deal to big against others or replacing his 189 effective (3.71 ERA, 3.98 FIP) innings in next year's rotation.



The deadline to place a qualifying offer is in November.

Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.