Jeremy Hellickson appears poised to test the free agent waters.
According to a report from Fan Rag Sports’ Jon Heyman, Hellickson is unlikely to accept a qualifying offer from the Philadelphia Phillies.
The 29-year-old pitcher received a qualifying offer from Philadelphia this week for $17.2 million. If he declines it, the Phillies would receive a compensatory draft pick.
Hellickson went 12-10 with a 3.71 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 189 innings last season. He posted three seasons with an ERA under 3.50 to start his career, but from 2013-2015, his ERA was over 4.52 each year.
With a thin free agent pitching market, Hellickson could receive a lucrative offer. Many question whether he’ll make more than $17.2 million annually — which he can earn through the qualifying offer — but he can lock up much more in guaranteed dollars through a long-term deal.
Rich Hill and Ivan Nova are about the only other top free agent pitchers on the market.
