By Tim Kelly, Sports Talk Philly editor 
While the Philadelphia Phillies seem relatively likely to trade RHP Jeremy Hellickson prior to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, there does seem to be a growing sentiment that the team should at least have exploratory talks on a long-term deal with their Opening Day starter.
For his part, Hellickson is reportedly content with the Phillies and wouldn't mind remaining in Philadelphia long-term, according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports:
Jeremy Hellickson is said to love Philly. And it’s showing. He can’t be saddled with yet another qualifying offer, but word is, he wouldn’t mind staying in Philadelphia.
It should be noted that Heyman reported last week that the Phillies aren't opposed to taking on money in a Hellickson trade this summer if it means that they will be able to get a better return for the 30-year-old.
However, as I wrote in this week's edition of Phillies Nuggets, it's possible for the Phillies to discuss an extension with Hellickson's agent Scott Boras and keep their options open trade wise with potential suitors. The team did so with Cole Hamels during the 2012 season, eventually reaching a six-year extension with Hamels just prior to the non-waiver trade deadline.
The Phillies would have to reach a long-term extension with Hellickson prior to the non-waiver trade deadline to avoid trading him. As Heyman noted, the Phillies can't extend a qualifying offer to Hellickson again this offseason, so they couldn't risk keeping him for the rest of the season and potentially having him leave in free-agency without them getting any compensation this offseason.
Trending: Phillies should explore long-term extension with Jeremy Hellickson
While Hellickson may like Philadelphia, it may be a better business decision for him to allow the Phillies to trade him before the non-waiver trade deadline. Joining a perspective contender would allow him to potentially pitch in the playoffs this year and would then put him in a position to be on the open market this offseason. With no qualifying offer attached to him, Hellickson would likely receive a four or five-year contract in free-agency.
From the Phillies' perspective, Aaron Nola and Vince Velasquez haven't progressed at the rate that many expected them to. Hellickson and Jerad Eickhoff have been stabilizing forces in the rotation, so there may be an argument to keeping the two duo together moving forward.
In six starts in 2017, Hellickson is 4-1 with a 3.18 ERA. This comes after he went 12-10 with a 3.71 ERA over 189 innings in 2016.
