Hellickson accepted the Phillies' qualifying offer Monday, meaning he will return to the team on a one-year, $17.2 million contract, Today's Knuckleball's Jon Heyman reports.

EDGE Analysis

The draft pick that would have been attached to him in free agency would have no doubt hurt his value, but this still comes as a bit of a surprise, as most thought he could receive a three or four year deal as one of the top starting pitchers in a weak free agent class. The belief is that Hellickson won't face this same dilemma next winter, as the qualifying offer system is expected to be nixed by next year and he is expected to be traded this summer, which would also make him ineligible for a qualifying offer. Hellickson is a No. 4 starter in real life terms. He can be expected to offer an ERA around 4.00 with a WHIP around 1.25 while striking out around 150 batters in 2017.