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Report: Phillies 'shopping the hell' out of Santana

Kiyoshi Ota / Getty Images Sport / Getty

One year after handing Carlos Santana a three-year, $60-million contract, the Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly "shopping the hell" out of their first baseman, one rival executive told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

The switch-hitting Santana, 32, had a relatively characteristic year, posting a .352 on-base percentage with 24 home runs over 161 games.

But the buyer's remorse stems from young star Rhys Hoskins' defensive struggles in his outfield role. Hoskins ranked second-last among qualified outfielders in UZR/150 last season, costing his club 13.7 runs - better than only Bryce Harper.

Heading into the 2019 campaign with a projected payroll of $114.6 million after options and arbitration settlements, the Phillies are expected to pursue both Harper and Manny Machado in free agency this winter. Philadelphia has also been tied to starter Patrick Corbin and closer Craig Kimbrel early in the offseason.

Santana is guaranteed just under $21 million in both 2019 and 2020 and has a $17.5-million team option for 2021 with a $500,000 buyout.

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