Believe it or not, spring training in Clearwater, Florida is just weeks away. It won’t be long until pitchers and catchers report and Grapefruit League games commence.
Despite the big additions this winter, one could argue that the Phillies still have several holes in their roster. A number of key contributors from the 2019 campaign are no longer with the organization. With that being said, here are Five free agents still on the market that the Phillies should consider.
- Jason Kipnis (2B/CF)
Kipnis, also known as “dirtbag”, spent the last 9 seasons playing with the Cleveland Indians. The two-time All-Star is a 2nd baseman by trade and has experience playing in CF as well. He could serve as an extra bat off the bench, and a mentor in the clubhouse.
- Alex Wood (LHP)
Wood, an All-Star in 2017, spent the 2nd half of last season with Cincinnati. The Southpaw made just 7 starts for the Reds as he rehabbed a back injury. There is an old saying that goes, “you can never have enough pitching”. In my opinion, Wood may be a low risk/high reward option the Phillies could take a chance on.
- Drew Smyly (LHP)
Like Wood, Smyly is a left-handed pitcher with a ton of untapped potential. After being let go by the Rangers last June, he was picked up by the Phillies in July and spent the remainder of the season in their rotation. The former 2nd Round selection also has experience pitching out of the pen’.
- Matt Adams (1B)
Matt Adams has spent the majority of the last three seasons in the NL East. Last year, he helped the Nationals win a World Series title. His big left-handed bat could come in handy off the bench, and the slugger could even spell Rhys Hoskins should his late season struggles continue into 2020.
- Matt Wieters (C)
Wieters, the longtime Baltimore Oriole’, is a defensive minded catcher who takes pride in game calling and his work behind the dish. If anything, the veteran could serve as an invite for spring training and as a mentor to another switch-hitting catcher on the roster, Andrew Knapp.
It may not seem like it on paper, but the Phillies have had a busy winter. Besides adding Zack Wheeler and Didi Gregorius, the front office brought in several players on minor-league deals that could very well make an impact at some point in 2020.
The question now turns to…
“Have the Phillies done enough to remain competitive in the top-heavy NL East?”.
Time will tell.
Philadelphia Sports Chronicle 