“Maybe never in our history has it been more important to develop starting pitchers.” — Phillies general manager Matt Klentak on Dec. 13 at the winter meetings
The Phillies have made it clear — dating as far back to president Andy MacPhail’s introductory news conference in 2015 — that they would much prefer to be in the business of developing starting pitchers than acquiring them.
They have committed a combined $94 million this winter on three free agents — first baseman Carlos Santana and relievers Pat Neshek and Tommy Hunter — and could very well add a starting pitcher before spring training begins next month.