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Tommy Hunter Signs With Philadelphia Phillies

According to reports from Jon Heyman, veteran reliever Tommy Hunter will continue his journey around the league. He will sign with the Philadelphia Phillies on a two-year contract. The deal is pending a physical, and financial terms are not yet available.

Tommy Hunter Signs With the Philadelphia Phillies

Hunter’s Career Profile

Drafted in the first round with the 54th overall pick by the Texas Rangers in the 2007 June Amateur Draft during the supplemental round, Hunter wouldn’t have to wait long before making his debut. He would make his first appearance in 2008. Unfortunately, he would play in only three games and had a rough year with a 16.36 ERA and nine strikeouts in only 11 innings pitched. One year later, Hunter would turn things around, pitching a 4.10 ERA with 64 strikeouts in 112 innings pitched. In his four years in Texas, Hunter would go on to post a 4.36 ERA with 151 strikeouts in 407 innings pitched. During the 2011 offseason, Hunter was involved in a trade that some baseball fans consider extremely one sided.

Hunter, along with first baseman Chris Davis, were traded to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for pitcher Koji Uehara. Hunter would begin as a starter in Baltimore before making the shift to the bullpen. He would be named the Orioles closer during the 2014 season. In that season, Hunter pitched a 2.97 ERA with 45 strikeouts and 11 saves in 60.2 innings pitched. During the 2015 offseason, Hunter would be traded again this time to the Chicago Cubs. In exchange, the Orioles acquired center fielder Junior Lake. After spending the year in Chicago, Hunter would sign a one year $2 million contract with the Cleveland Indians. On August 25, 2016, Hunter would be released.

After being released, the Hunter would sign with the Orioles once again. In 6 total years in Baltimore, Hunter pitched a 4.16 ERA with 263 strikeouts in 407 innings pitched. After finishing out the year in Baltimore, Hunter would sign a minor league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays. Hunter would eventually be promoted to the major leagues. In his career, Hunter has a 4.13 ERA with 510 strikeouts in 769.1 innings pitched.

The Impact Of The Signing

For the Phillies, they get a reliable pitcher who, unlike other relievers, served as a starter for quite a long time. For the Rays, they lose someone who was a great setup man for Alex Colome, their closer. But for Hunter, this is an opportunity to gain back a closing job and help win a championship.

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