News of Phormer Phillies, 2024

[andyb]

Scott Kingery getting a chance in Los Angeles (likely for a minimum salary utility spot).

An afterthought with Phillies, Scott Kingery hopes for second chance with Angels

[zambonir]

Such an odd series of roster loopholes for him. He already is under that minimum contract via arbitration, I am sure he will make their Opening Day roster.

He has interesting things to say about his private hitting coach and not caring for the Girardi era instruction he got.

[Philsmania]

Austin Hays to Reds. Too bad his Phillies tenure was starcrossed. Good luck to him.

Reds To Sign Austin Hays

[Philsmania]

Estevez to Royals.

Royals To Sign Carlos Estévez

[zambonir]

Two years, $10 million salary per year, 11 million AAV ($2 million buyout on $13 million third-year option). Not too far off from Hoffman's except his has third year guaranteed.

Phillies always seemed to prefer Hoffman but he seemed to be seeking more, and then we know he flunked two physicals. They never really seemed to like Estevez that much which I think is probably correct. I think Matt said you can get away with him closing since closing is rarely actually the highest-leverage spot on a regular basis, but when you need him to get the biggest outs or pitch with men on base his stuff doesn't play as well.

[Philsmania]

Two years, $10 million salary per year, 11 million AAV ($2 million buyout on $13 million third-year option). Not too far off from Hoffman's except his has third year guaranteed.

Phillies always seemed to prefer Hoffman but he seemed to be seeking more, and then we know he flunked two physicals. They never really seemed to like Estevez that much which I think is probably correct. I think Matt said you can get away with him closing since closing is rarely actually the highest-leverage spot on a regular basis, but when you need him to get the biggest outs or pitch with men on base his stuff doesn't play as well.

Even so, we paid a high price to get him (a top 100 priospect) and it was largely for naught. Estevez was good, not great but he will most be remembered for giving up the grand slam which sealed our one-and-done Postseason series fate. Probably Dombrowski's worst trade since coming here though lavishing that contract on Walker was probably his worst move period.

[zambonir]

I would agree it was an overpay and the whole sequence of events (dumping Seranthony, Alvarado not being reliable, getting Estevez) just didn't work out. But his performance in the playoffs didn't really bother me. Hoffman and Strahm were still worse. He didn't do anything Kimbrel and Alvarado didn't also dp in 2023 or 2022, or that several other elite relievers didn't do in this very same playoffs for other teams (including Diaz even though his team still beat us). By the time Estevez gave up that slam much worse had already happened.

But that's why you don't anoint closers and you don't give them multi-year deals, so I still like the way the Phillies have generally done things.

I see Paul Sewald, who killed us but got killed by the Rangers, didn't do well in 2024 is trying to bounce back with a new team this year too.

[David_Criss]

Outfielder Mickey Moniak and Los Angeles Angels go to salary arbitration hearing

[bkeich]

Outfielder Mickey Moniak and Los Angeles Angels go to salary arbitration hearing

.646 OPS last year. .673 Lifetime. Ahh, honestly if he didn’t accept what I offered I would just release him.

[zambonir]

He won

[David_Criss]

https://x.com/JonHeyman/status/1886865584996147674
Vince Velasquez signs minor deal with Cleveland.