Phillies Sign Former ROY Chris Coghlan to Minor League Deal
Coghlan was the National League Rookie of the Year and will join the Phillies in Clearwater this spring
A former foe who’s done his fair share of damage to the Phillies is now donning the red and white pinstripes.
Source says Phillies have agreed to terms with OF Chris Coghlan on a minor league deal. He has an invite to spring training.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) February 2, 2017
Former Marlins outfielder Chris Coghlan has signed a minor league contract with the Phillies, and will join the team in spring training. Coghlan has an opportunity to win a job this spring as a lefty off the bench, but will most likely play in Lehigh Valley.
Last season Coghlan was on the Cubs World Series team after being traded by Oakland mid-season. Between the A’s and Cubs Coghlan hit .252 with 10 extra-base hits.
During his rookie season with the Marlins in 2009, Coghlan hit an outstanding .321 with 46 extra-base hits. His production has fallen to earth, and has not had a season of at least .270 hitting since.
Next: Phillies, Marlins Trade Fell Apart at the Deadline
In 33 games within the friendly confines of Citizens Bank Park Coghlan has a .303 batting average with 14 extra-base hits. If even a sliver of that production is seen during spring training next month in Florida Coghlan could break the 25-man roster.
Once again, general manager Matt Klentak will look to take a piece of rust and turn it to gold. He nearly succeeded with another former Rookie of the Year (Jeremy Hellickson) and will look for a rebound season from Howie Kendrick in left field.