Our final two players hitting arbitration are two very familiar faces for the Philadelphia Phillies. Hector Neris and Vincent Velasquez have both shined at some points and absolutely destroyed us at other points. These two pitchers are probably the toughest decisions the Phillies will have to make this year.

• Seranthony Dominguez – $900K
• Zach Eflin –$3.7MM
• Rhys Hoskins – $3.4MM
• Andrew Knapp – $1.0MM
• Hector Neris – $5.3MM
• Vince Velasquez – $4.0MM

Neris had a 2021 club option worth $7 million, which the Phillies declined. He was arbitration eligible, meaning that he remained on the Phillies 40-man roster until the Phillies decide to tender or non-tender him when arbitration begins in early December. It’s become pretty clear already that teams are looking to trim payroll and not jump into any big free agent deals due to COVID-19.

We all know the Phillies had a historically bad bullpen last year that finished the shortened season with an ERA north of seven. It’s hard to make a case that any pitcher should return to such a miserable group of relievers.

It’s also hard to make a case for Vincent Velasquez given the fact that he has had so many opportunities to make name for himself on this Phillies roster and has failed to do so. It is fun to write “Is this the year for Vincent Velasquez?” articles every Spring Training though.

The Phillies really don’t have the opportunity to be picky with bullpen pitchers due to their depleted farm system and unwillingness to spend money. I will have to go tender for both until the Phillies make up their minds on how they want this team to look in 2021.

Myself and Kevin McCormick spoke about both pitchers on the latest Liberty Line Radio show. Stream the full episode here or check out the clip below.

You can catch the full episode here and tune in every Saturday from 5-6 PM on Fox Sports The Gambler as the TLL crew takes you through a week of Philadelphia sports.