If I were Beane, I’d be more comfortable giving him the franchise tag. Phillips still hasn’t got his big payday. $14m is a lot better than committing $25-30m guaranteed if you’re not sure he’s gonna stay motivated. $14m still life changing, ‘never have to work another day in your life’ money. Sign him long term if he stays motivated after getting $14m.
You can probably get Lawson for $9-10m per year. He’s been a high profile guy for longer, was the #1 high school recruit... I’d trust giving him long term contract more.