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The Philadelphia Phillies seem to have a pretty set roster going into spring training later this month in Clearwater. But it doesn’t mean the Phillies couldn’t make a few more moves in free agency to shore up the roster.
There are plenty of options out there, as the free agent market has been relatively slow. Major free agents like slugger Cody Bellinger and reigning Cy Young winner Blake Snell.
But, let’s be realistic. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has said that the team will nibble on the edges of free agency. It’s doubtful they’ll make a push for a Bellinger or a Snell unless there is a bargain to be had.
But that doesn’t mean the Phillies can’t satisfy a need or two in the next few weeks. Here are three potential options.
Whit Merrifield
The Phillies could probably use one more reliable outfielder. Right now the outfield rotation looks like Brandon Marsh, Cristian Pache, Johan Rojas and Nick Castellanos, with a smattering of appearances by Kyle Schwarber thrown in (he’ll likely be the everyday DH).
Merrifield would be a solid fit. With Toronto in 2023 he slashed .272/.318/.382/.700 with 11 home runs, 67 RBI and 26 stolen bases. He also earned his third All-Star Game berth.
Entering his age 35 season, the Phillies won’t have to put a lot down to sign him. He’s a career .284 hitter who can steal bases and also help back up Bryson Stott at second base. He’s a perfect 12th or 13th player at this stage of free agency.
Jakob Junis
The reliever market is still pretty robust, and per reporting the Phillies have expressed interest in Junis, who enters his age 32 season in 2024. Of the relievers that remain on the market, none have a higher wins above replacement in 2023 than Junis’ 2.0.
The seven-year vet spent his last two seasons in San Francisco and he has a history as both a starter and reliever. Last season, used primarily out of the bullpen, he went 4-3 with a 3.87 ERA in 40 games (just four starts). That was his career-best ERA in a single season. The right-hander may have finally found his role. The Phillies could benefit from that by signing him to a one-year deal.
Liam Hendriks
This depends entirely upon how “set” you believe the Phillies’ bullpen is. Hendriks would be a flier, as he’s not expected to be ready to return until around August. After his return from Stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma last season, he pitched just five games, but went 2-0 with a 5.40 ERA and had one save. Now he’s recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Before his diagnosis, Hendriks was one of the game’s top closers. He was an All-Star in 2021 and 2022 with the Chicago White Sox, saving an AL-high 38 games in 2021 and 37 more in 2022. His ERA in his last four seasons before the diagnosis was 1.80 (2019), 1.78 (2020), 2.54 (2021) and 2.81 (2022).
This is strictly a sign-and-stash — sign the former closer on a small one-year deal with a big option in 2025 and see if he can reclaim what he had. If he can, then he gives the Phillies a quality reinforcement on the back end of its bullpen for what they hope will be a stretch drive to the postseason.
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TODAY'S BEST
Blue Jays aren't getting enough from their $500M man
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Maple Leafs continue to play moneyball: Three big names in play
With Mitch Marner’s move to the Vegas Golden Knights closing a major chapter in Toronto, GM Brad Treliving made a series of moves to replace his production. He might not be done. Three may be even bolder moves on the horizon. We’ve heard the names Calle Jarnkrok and David Kampf before. However, the Maple Leafs are actively fielding and exploring trade scenarios as they look to reshape their roster — and according to Nick Kypreos, a handful of intriguing names are emerging in trade chatter: Morgan Rielly, Brandon Carlo, and former Leafs fan-favorite Nazem Kadri. The most surprising name still generating buzz is Rielly. Despite being a longtime cornerstone on Toronto’s blue line, his $7.5 million cap hit and no-move clause complicate matters. Yet with the team needing help up front, and possible interest in offensive defensemen like Pittsburgh’s Erik Karlsson, Rielly could become part of a larger plan if he’s open to waiving. Also surprising is the talk surrounding Carlo. A recent addition to the Leafs’ defense corps, he is already being talked about behind the scenes as a potential trade piece. If he were made available, there is interest around the league, as the 6-foot-6 shutdown defender has a team-friendly cap hit and strong penalty-killing ability. Trading Carlo could get the Leafs a top-six forward. Finally, reports on the availability of Kadri remain conflicting. Some say he’s not available, while others suggest that the Calgary Flames would consider the idea. The former Maple Leaf would be a welcome addition back to Toronto, but there isn’t much of a reason for the Flames to trade him unless the return is outstanding. Kadri reportedly would consider waiving his no-move clause for a reunion. That said, getting a deal done won’t be easy, especially with Montreal also rumored to be on his short list. Whether any of these deals come to pass or are just pure speculation, one thing’s sure: the Maple Leafs aren’t standing still. Treliving is trying to get his roster to score more goals. He seems willing to entertain any idea and play Moneyball with the roster if it will help.
Green Bay Packers: TE Tucker Kraft Tries New Position on Day 1 of Camp – Just for Fun or Smidge of Serious?
The Green Bay Packers started training camp Wednesday, and on at least one rep, the kickoff went to an unexpected returner: tight end Tucker Kraft. Whether or not they plan to seriously evaluate him as an option, it’s a development that caught the eye of reporter Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. Green Bay Packers shake it up to kick off camp with Kraft, Melton updates Earlier this afternoon, Scheidman shared his observation to the bewilderment of fans on social media. Until further notice, it seems safest to assume that the guys are just having fun. Kraft lacks a kick returner’s build and sprint speed, but at 6-foot-5 and 259 pounds, he’s been dubbed a “human monster truck” for his ability to absorb contact and break tackles after the catch. Most likely, that’s not a skilll that would translate from Kraft’s capacity as a passcatcher to a receiver of kicks. There’s a reason teams rarely plug tight ends in that role. One notable exception is New Orleans’ do-everything weapon Taysom Hill, who also plays quarterback and frequently runs the ball. He’s also returned 20 kickoffs in his career, but only six since his rookie year in 2018. Last season, the Packers relied on cornerback Keisean Nixon for most kickoff opportunities. Wide receiver Jayden Reed was the main man on punts, returning 14 times for 110 yards. Nixon amassed 576 yards between both return types. Schneidman’s Kraft news comes alongside Bo Melton’s more surprising, now-official position switch from receiver to cornerback. Fans aren’t sure what to think. Most aren’t taking Kraft’s rumble too seriously. At South Dakota State, Kraft returned two kickoffs for 34 yards. He has not run back an NFL kick. The former third-round pick enjoyed a highly successful second season: 50 catches, 707 yards, and seven touchdowns. Seeing Kraft tuck it and truck should be a common sight in 2025, just not, most likely, as a returner.
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