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Phillies: Low Cost Closing Pitchers in Free Agency

By Joe Piazza

Jul 3, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Santiago Casilla (46) pitches during the eleventh inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. The Giants won 5-4 in 11 innings. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 3, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Santiago Casilla (46) pitches during the eleventh inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. The Giants won 5-4 in 11 innings. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Shawn Tolleson (Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports) /

Shawn Tolleson, Texas Rangers

This is very much a buy-low option for the Phillies. The big appeal of Shawn Tolleson is the fact that he will be the least expensive closer on the market. After holding opposition to a .675 OPS and 2.99 ERA, Tolleson’s ERA jumped to 7.68 in 2016. He was removed from the closer’s role, and lost the remainder of his season to a back injury soon thereafter.

Tolleson’s velocity hasn’t changed much (his changeup was 3 MPH faster in ‘16), so control seems to be his issue. He’s recovered from the back injury that ended his season, and just became a free agent after rejecting his outright assignment to Triple-A Round Rock. For the cost of arbitration, the Phillies could end up with a surprisingly effective closer in 2017.

Next: NL Needs to Implement the Designated Hitter

Estimated Offer – Remainder of Rookie Contract (2nd year arbitration plus team control through 2018)

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