The Philadelphia Phillies have multiple free agent fits, according to MLB.com writer Thomas Harrigan. Acquiring an outfielder should be a top priority. Furthermore, with Carlos Estévez and Jeff Hoffman being free agents, adding a bullpen arm is also a priority. Being able to re-sign at least one of Estévez and Hoffman would be significant. MLB.com insider Mark Feinsand also mentioned a few players as fits for the Phillies that Harrigan did not say. Feinsand mentioned San Diego Padres outfielder Jurickson Profar as a fit for the Phillies.
Phillies Free Agent Fits
Outfielders
Harrigan mentioned Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández as a fit for the Phillies. In 154 games last season, Hernández had a .272/.339/.501 line with 33 home runs and 99 RBI. Hernández had a 134 wRC+ and a .344 BABIP last season. Furthermore, Hernández primarily played left field last season. If Hernández were to sign with the Phillies, that would be his position in all likelihood. According to Baseball Savant, Hernández ranked in the 48th percentile in chase rate in 2024. The chase rate is a concern. After winning the World Series, it is reasonable to believe that Hernández will re-sign with the Dodgers.
Feinsand and Harrigan mentioned Baltimore Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander in relation to the Phillies. In 155 games last season, Santander had a .235/.308/.506 line with 44 home runs and 102 RBI. Santander had a 129 wRC+ and a .225 BABIP in 2024. However, Baseball Savant ranked Santander in the 16th percentile in chase rate for 2024. Santander did have a career-best 8.7% walk rate last season. Meanwhile, Santander had a 19.4% strikeout rate in 2024. Defensively, Santander has not made an appearance on the left field since 2023.
Boston Red Sox outfielder Tyler O’Neill has been mentioned by Feinsand and Harrigan in connection with the Phillies. Last season, in 113 games, O’Neill had a .241/.336/.511 line with 31 home runs and 61 RBI. O’Neill had a 131 wRC+ and a .305 BABIP this season. Additionally, O’Neill recorded a career-high 11.2% walk rate last season. O’Neill did have a 33.6% strikeout rate last season, though. According to Baseball Savant, O’Neill ranked in the 65th percentile in chase rate in 2024. Defensively O’Neill has two Gold Glove awards. O’Neill is the most likely to sign with the Phillies of these players.
Relief Pitchers
New York Yankees relief pitcher Clay Holmes has been connected to the Phillies. Matt Gelb of The Athletic mentioned Holmes in addition to Feinsand and Harrigan. Holmes had a 3-5 record with a 3.14 ERA and a 3.02 FIP in 67 games in 2024. Additionally, Holmes had a 78 ERA- and 30 saves. That said, Holmes was removed from the closer role due to having 13 blown saves. Holmes would probably be in a setup role with the Phillies. Red Sox relief pitcher Kenley Jansen and Texas Rangers relief pitcher Kirby Yates are better options. Harrigan mentioned both of them and Rangers relief pitcher David Robertson as well.
A priority for the Phillies should be signing Padres relief pitcher Tanner Scott in free agency. Feinsand and Harrigan mentioned Scott as a free agent target for the Phillies. Scott had a 9-6 record with a 1.75 ERA and a 2.92 FIP in 72 outings last season. Additionally, Scott had a 43 ERA- and 22 saves in 2024. Scott was traded to the Padres at the deadline by the Miami Marlins. One concern with Scott is his walk rate. 2023 is the lone season Scott has had a 10% walk rate or better. However, Scott has had a strikeout rate better than 20% in every season of his career.
If at least one of Estévez or Hoffman leaves, signing Dodgers relief pitcher Blake Treinen should be a priority. In 2024 Treinen had a 7-3 record with a 1.93 ERA and a 3.00 FIP in 50 games. Treinen had a 48 ERA- and recorded one save last season. This comes after Treinen missed the entire 2o23 season due to injury. Treinen has a good strikeout-to-walk rate. With the Phillies, Treinen would most likely be in a setup role. Treinen has been a closer before. Adding Treinen would help the Phillies bullpen and the high leverage relief group in particular.
Main Photo Credits: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
