Royals Rumors: Potential starting pitchers on market for 2017 deadline
JEREMY HELLICKSON (PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES)
5-5 record, 4.49 ERA, 1.241 WHIP (Free agent in 2018)
This time last year, Royals fans were clamoring for the team to make a move to acquire Jeremy Hellickson from the Philadelphia Phillies. Hellickson’s 3.71 ERA in 2016 was appealing for sure and the Royals would have still had him on their team this season had they gone through with that deal.
Now, however, Hellickson is in the last year of his contract with Philadelphia, but isn’t having quite as hot of a year. The former Rookie of the Year winner with the Rays hasn’t had his good stuff this season, but is still a viable option to look into trading for.
Ah I see the calls for trading for Jeremy Hellickson have begun.
— Shaun Newkirk (Soros funded blue checkmark) (@Shauncore) July 15, 2017
With the name recognition in Kansas City (simply from fans wanting to trade for him a year ago), this deal could end up happening. Hellickson’s numbers aren’t mind blowing, but when the guy is good, he’s really good.
With Jason Hammel irritating fans after his blowup inning on Friday night, a guy like Hellickson could slide into that role quite nicely should this team reach the playoffs. The question is: Should the Royals really want a guy with a close to five ERA?