The MLB is back! The lockout ended after a long and arduous 99 days, but it's time to play ball. However, the offseason still has some finishing up to do before teams can take the diamond, as the MLB free agency frenzy that whipped up before the lockout still has some marquee names left to be signed. That means that the Philadelphia Phillies, who have some holes to patch on their roster, still have some work to do. The Phillies could use an extra bat in the middle of the order as extra protection for Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto. The Philadelphia bullpen, which blew many leads last season, needs a solid late-innings guy to help protect leads at the end of contests. The Phillies signed Corey Knebel, who figures to be the closer, before the lockout, though they could certainly use another arm. There are several different directions that general manager Dave Dombrowski can go. That said, here are two free agents the Phillies must sign.
2 Free Agents Phillies Must Sign
2. Kenley Jansen
The Phillies already signed Corey Knebel, who has been speculated as their potential next closer. However, while capable as a closer, Knebel has just 60 saves in his career. Kenley Jansen, meanwhile, has 350. Jansen is regarded as one of the better closers in the big leagues and has held down the role of ninth-inning stopper for the last 12 years as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Jansen, who has saved 30 or more games in seven of the last eight seasons, would bring some much-needed stability to the back end of the Phillies bullpen, which very likely cost them a playoff spot last season. The veteran reliever has impeccable control, as evidenced by his 0.92 WHIP and can rack up the strikeouts in bunches, having averaged 13 of them per nine innings over the last 12 seasons. Jansen won't come cheap, as he is the best available closer. However, he is worth every bit of the money if it means that the Phillies have more security in the late innings in 2022.
1. Nick Castellanos
This move makes too much sense for the Phillies. General manager Dave Dombrowski has spoken about how the team needs more protection in the middle of the lineup. It doesn't get much better than Nick Castellanos, who has evolved into one of the better hitters in baseball over the last few seasons. Castellanos is coming off of an All-Star campaign that saw him slash .309/.362/.576 with 34 homers, 100 RBI, and 95 runs scored. That could help provide more consistency to a Phillies lineup that too often lacked it last season. The former Cincinnati Reds outfielder would fit into a lineup with Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto and Rhys Hoskins quite nicely. He would provide plenty of protection to those sluggers, as evidenced by his career .814 OPS. Castellanos definitely won't come cheap, as he is perhaps the best remaining hitter besides Carlos Correa. However, in signing him, the Phillies would have one of the better corner outfield duos in baseball with Harper and Castellanos. That could help provide more consistency to a Phillies lineup that too often lacked it last season.
Follow Us
Subscribe