Having three veteran setup men, the Phillies can move up to $24.5 million of payroll, and general manager Matt Klentak has the luxury to deal from a position of adequate strength with multiple possibilities.

Waiting on the market:

With plan in hand, the Philadelphia Phillies front office is on target to assemble 2019’s relief corps. So, while armchair GMs imagine major acquisitions, the exec must execute a successful strategy to continue in only one of 30 MLB jobs, even though some locals constantly want his dismissal.

IN OTHER WORDS: “Sometimes you make the right decision; sometimes you make the decision right.” – Phil McGraw

With four starters for three rotation slots, the red pinstripes have one potential long man and 11 firemen with a realistic shot for the eight pen seats. Barring any trades, the team also has three hurlers they can option to the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs.

Although Klentak has six arms for the five-man staff, he might not carry a long reliever due to a capable bullpen. However, the GM could have the sixth starter pitch the first half with Lehigh Valley and go with a six-man rotation after the All-Star break. That was successful for 2018’s Atlanta Braves.

As for setup men, Klentak has three he could move as salary dumps, complete or partial; but the market will dictate the time frame. So, when another organization concludes the Phils’ firemen are better than remaining free agents or a bargain if the decision-maker eats some dollars, they will negotiate.

Regarding the two southpaw relievers the franchise acquired, Klentak doesn’t want to depend solely on one to be effective and healthy for the entire 162. To illustrate, the exec had inked Pat Neshek and Tommy Hunter last year, but Neshek began ’18 on the disabled list. Ergo, a backup plan.

If Klentak cannot deal Neshek, Hunter and/or Juan Nicasio, he has three firemen he can option to the Allentown affiliate. However, two are on their third and final option ending April 8. But if the parent club needs them after that date, they will be here to stay or put on waivers: Other teams can then claim them. .

Presently, the market for closers is winding down, and a handful of setup men are under consideration. Taking on salary, though, isn’t much different than signing a free agent and may, in some cases, be cheaper. Basically, organizations have three-to-five effective relievers, so some will still have a need.