Phillies Hot Stove, Winter 2023-24

andyb 2024-02-05 05:00:15 UTC #1135

They are probably not looking for a setup/closer. Just a reliable back of the bullpen pitcher with options. Maybe a big arm that needs to work on control. Maybe a 2-inning guy who is a bit better than Covey potentially.

zambonir 2024-02-05 05:17:23 UTC #1136

Also why would the Cubs or Cardinals do those deals. Even the Sox are trying to win, but they seem to be more cash-constrained.

Phillies won't go into the next tax bracket either. But if they did go out and sign two players (a reliever and an OF) they'd be more limited in what they could do at the deadline without busting past it.

I would still like to upgrade on Cave or Pache (or both) more than make a bullpen move. That's where the waiting game is also in play, as some of these guys are still hoping for 500 ABs or at least an equivalent salary. If you can only offer 200 ABs, you end up with Jake Cave.

andyb 2024-02-05 13:04:40 UTC #1137

I still think Tommy Pham checks most of the boxes of what they want from a backup OF. Platoon starter. Some power off the bench. Good guy in the clubhouse. And still left standing on the free agent market in February so probably gettable on a modest one-year deal. Pham probably wants to go to the postseason every remaining year in his career. I know the Phillies say they want CF defense, but I see a roster with 2 guys that can do that (Marsh and Rojas most likely).

zambonir 2024-02-05 16:45:01 UTC #1138

Agreed he fits but last MLBTR post said eight teams were talking to him and predicted he'd get more than he got two years ago ($7.5). I think playing time is the bigger issue. Pham got 304 of his 481 PAs against RHP last year (and with equally good numbers, just a little less power) so that would put Rojas on the bench quite a bit. Not saying that might not be the best line-up though (and certainly the best offense for first six innings).

Him wanting to be on a playoff team doesn't matter that much I don't think, he could take the most money and playing time on the table if it's from a less promising team and expect to be traded again. Also is he actually good in the clubhouse? I thought opinions were mixed (like, you either love him or you hate him).

Duvall still fits too. He had significant reverse splits last year, even (hit RHP very well, didn't hit LHP well). Also struggled away from Fenway. That all might even out and he'd still be good or he might be due for a bad season.

David_Criss 2024-02-05 19:38:45 UTC #1139

Don't forget Pache, too - pretty amazing glove there, too. While Pham would be a great addition, I just don't see him signing with the Phillies. Casteallanos, Marsh, Rojas, Schwaber doesn't make for a lot of playing time.

zambonir 2024-02-05 19:53:44 UTC #1140

I think if the Phillies actually did sign Pham (or Duval, or any RHB) Pache is gone, though considering Pham can hit RHPs maybe Cave's not really needed

But 481 is not that many PAs. Marsh had fewer than that (472). Cave and Pache likely would have gotten 400 between them if they'd both been up/healthy all year.

Pham would play LF against LHP and maybe another 50 starts against RHP at Rojas's expense (with Marsh in CF). But he probably still has a better offer.

andyb 2024-02-05 20:52:01 UTC #1141

Wasn't forgetting him. Just assuming he is the backup roster option only if Rojas does not make the team. So the roster still would have 2 CFs and no need for the free agent OF to be really good at CF even if it would be nice if they could play there in a pinch like Cave can.

andyb 2024-02-05 21:01:04 UTC #1142

With Maton off the board remember Lauber did say the Phillies were interested in Jakob Junis last week.

From all reports his stuff did tick up out of the bullpen and he definitely looks like a better version of Covey from last year. If we want a 2-inning reliever that can make emergency starts he would check the box. MLB Rumors ranked him 47th on their free agent list with a 2/15 prediction. That is clearly a salary they could handle if they thought a better 2-inning pitcher was a priority.

fish 2024-02-05 21:06:43 UTC #1143

When God closes one Maton, another Maton opens.

i've lost track- we do actually need a left handed backup infielder, right?

Gimmee Nick Maton and Eduardo Escobar to replace Cave and I could be happy with that.

andyb 2024-02-05 21:14:23 UTC #1144

Depends. We'll have a right-handed Sosa. If Cave does not make the team a left-handed backup IF that can also play OF would work. Theoretically could spell Bohm too. If Rojas starts pretty much full time though we start to run out of left-handed ABs since Marsh will be in the lineup full time.

bkox 2024-02-05 21:47:24 UTC #1145

I dont know why but this actually made me laugh out loud

Lucky_Beagle 2024-02-06 00:25:19 UTC #1146

per mlbtraderumors:

The Phillies have claimed infielder/outfielder Diego Castillo off waivers from the Yankees, per announcements from both clubs. The Yanks designated him for assignment a week ago. The Phils now have a full 40-man roster after this move.

zambonir 2024-02-06 01:40:35 UTC #1147

Maybe they like him better than Castro.

I would still trade Sosa if he has any value (and they can scare up a LHB to play 3B some).

LoneStarPhan 2024-02-06 01:56:47 UTC #1148

Don't know how I forgot Bellatti's name. Somehow I just automatically typed Bellini. Or was it an autocorrect.

I was thinking that they might try to trade one of Bellatti or Brogdon with one or two marginal prospects for a potentially more reliable reliever with some ML experience. I'm sure DD is exploring many options, but it takes a willing partner to make a trade.

Then there are always cuts made during spring training as teams shape their roster for the coming season. It would not surprise me to see the Phillies pick up a player or two near the start of the season.

zambonir 2024-02-06 04:37:54 UTC #1149

Cheap, but apparently he wanted to a shot at starting.

Junis, who will be paid $4 million this season with a $3 million buyout on a mutual option, will be a candidate to start, giving the Brewers another option for their rotation.

andyb 2024-02-06 18:12:25 UTC #1150

Well here is a relief pitcher with options. Cash deal so it only might cost Bellatti.

David_Criss 2024-02-06 18:19:22 UTC #1151

Basically the same pitcher Rucker and Bellatti.

BostonRoss 2024-02-06 19:26:40 UTC #1152

I don't want to get rid of Sosa. There has to be a backup middle infielder, and the other options are worse (Castro? Wilson?). If the Phillies get another hitter, Cave is the one to go.

andyb 2024-02-06 19:31:08 UTC #1153

My guess is that Rodolfo Castro goes. Very similar player to Castillo (a little more power, much less contact) that probably would fit better as an injury call-up. Sosa not likely going anywhere though obviously the team has options to replace him if he does not hit.

We really don't need 2 backup middle infielders on the 26-man roster. Cave is mediocre, but probably seen as better than Muzziotti right now but he could also be replaced with a better free agent signing.

zambonir 2024-02-06 19:38:03 UTC #1154

I've got nothing against Sosa but he almost never plays SS or 2B given who the starters are, his bat doesn't make sense at 3B (nor was his fielding anything special) and his bat isn't that great in general. I'd rather have a real 3B type bench bat (because I still have something against Bohm facing RHP all the time) and a light-hitting middle infielder (i.e. Castro or Castillo though I believe even Clemens has played SS).

Just asset management, IMO. Sosa would have value to a team that needs a SS or 2B (even if it's just as a back-up or platoon) more. Someone else's back-up 3B (especially if they can also play LF) would have more value to the Phillies.

NBC article today mentioned the OF market is just frozen until Bellinger signs. Makes sense, one or more teams that miss on him might overpay the likes of Duvall or Pham or Rosario, even if it's still just a short deal.