One of the players the Philadelphia Phillies recently received from the Texas Rangers, in exchange for left-hander Cole Hamels, is the often-forgotten, eight-year veteran Matt Harrison.
Harrison, 29, has thrown just nine starts and 44.0 combined innings over the past three seasons due to back injuries.
The 2012 American League All-Star southpaw was largely included in the trade as salary relief for the Rangers, who are taking on Hamels' remaining contract valued at over $70 million.
Upon being acquired, the Phillies placed Harrison on the 15-day disabled list on July 31 with lower back inflammation, citing that he didn't 'look right' and that they will play things 'cautiously' until he's fully healthy.
Harrison is set to earn $13.2 million in both 2016 and 2017. The following season, 2018, he has a $13.25 million team option and a $2 million buyout. Thus, the Phillies owe Harrison a minimum of $28.4 million over the next three seasons. This does not include the rest of his 2015 salary.
The 2018 team option would have been made guaranteed if Harrison threw 200 innings this season, as well as in 2016 and 2017. With 184.0 more innings needed this season, and with only 44 games left to be played by the Phillies, achieving that mark is not feasible.
According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, it appears as though the Phillies may not be required to pay Harrison's full salary after all, as they have 'inherited the insurance policy attached to his deal.'
The policy entitles the Phils to 75 percent of Harrison’s salary past a certain cutoff, but only if the insurance company confirms that he is unable to perform due to a specific back issue, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. …
The Phillies could be in line to collect insurance on Harrison even though the Rangers had activated him – Harrison’s return to the DL occurred within a 45-day recurrence period, according to the source. Still, it is not clear whether the insurance company will honor the claim, considering that Harrison had resumed pitching.
Rosenthal later noted that even if the Phillies are able to collect insurance on Harrison, they will need to spend those funds through signing veteran arms for the 2016 rotation, which 'lacks anything close to an established starter.'
The Phillies currently only have six players signed for the 2016 season, totaling $65,866,666. Left-hander Cliff Lee has a $12.5 million buyout. Although he is pondering retirement, as surgery is needed to repair his left elbow, it is likely that he will take full advantage of his contract signed in December 2010.
Right hander Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez, who has been a huge disappointment, was thought to be a back-end of the rotation piece for the Phillies as early as Opening Day of last season. After a poor Spring Training performance this past March, Gonzalez was removed from the 40-man roster. He is owed $4.67 million next season.
The Phillies also on-the-books for 2016 to pay first baseman Ryan Howard $25 million, catcher Carlos Ruiz $8.5 million, and second baseman Chase Utley $2 million through a buyout. If Utley were to remain in Philadelphia beyond 2015, the Phillies would likely owe him an additional $6-10 million next season.
The best-case scenario for the Phillies would be if Jerad Eickhoff, another return in the Hamels trade, impresses next spring to earn a spot in the rotation. There is speculation that his major league debut can come as early as this Saturday down in Miami, Florida.
The once top-prospect in the organization, Jesse Biddle, could be another option if the front office deems him ready.
Right hander Aaron Nola is likely with major league team barring any major setbacks, and Adam Morgan could get another look as well.
The starting rotation next season might not contain an 'established starter', as Rosenthal points out, however it could very well be a glimpse into the future of the next window of success of Phillies' baseball.
Matt Rappa (@mattrappasports) is managing editor of Philliedelphia.com.
