The Phillies will make a qualifying offer to veteran hurler Jeremy Hellickson for $17.2 million, according to multiple sources.

If Hellickson declines the offer the Phillies will receive a compensatory draft pick.

Hellickson is believed to be seeking a multi-year deal, but he has until Nov. 14 to accept the Phillies' offer.

The 29-year-old tied a career high with 189 innings in 2016 and posted a career best with 154 strikeouts. He posted a 3.71 ERA in 32 starts and made $7 million.

From the Phillies' perspective, the qualifying offer makes total sense. If he accepts then the club has a mid-rotation starter that eats innings. The price tag is high, but payroll isn't an issue and the free agent pool for starting pitchers is extremely light.

If Hellickson rejects the offer the Phillies will receive a late first-round draft pick; a valuable chip to a club in the middle of a rebuild.
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Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PGordonPBR

BY PATRICK GORDON
Managing Editor
pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com

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