Phillies: Team Announces 40-Man Roster For 2017

Oct 26, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies president Andy MacPhail (L) and general manager Matt Klentak (M) and part owner John Middleton (R) during a press conference at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies president Andy MacPhail (L) and general manager Matt Klentak (M) and part owner John Middleton (R) during a press conference at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

With the winter meetings rapidly approaching, the Phillies put out their 40-man roster heading into the hot stove season and the rule-5 draft. Who made the cut?

The Phillies have set their 40-man roster. I made my predictions earlier in the week, but now it’s time for the real thing.

Some players will head out-of-town, and some will head into the rule-5 draft pool.

Who didn’t get protected? Any surprise cuts? Let’s take a look:

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Who’s on?

Starting Pitchers – Jeremy Hellickson, Jerad Eickhoff, Vince Velasquez, Aaron Nola, Jake Thompson, Alec Asher, Adam Morgan, Zach Eflin, Ben Lively, Nick Pivetta, Mark Appel, Ricardo Pinto, Elniery Garcia, Phil Klein.

RelieversHector Neris, Jeanmar Gomez, Edubray Ramos, Pat Neshek, Joely Rodriguez, Michael Mariot, Luis Garcia, Severino Gonzalez, Drew Anderson, Alberto Tirado.

Catchers – Cameron Rupp, Jorge Alfaro, Andrew Knapp.

Infielders – Maikel Franco, Tommy Joseph, Freddy Galvis, Cesar Hernandez, Jesmuel Valentin.

OutfieldersOdubel Herrera, Howie Kendrick, Roman Quinn, Cody Asche, Aaron Altherr, Tyler Goeddel, Nick Williams, Dylan Cozens.

Who’s off?

Unprotected – Carlos Tocci (OF), Malquin Canelo (SS), Jose Pujols (OF), Deivi Grullon (C), Andrew Pullin (OF), Tom Windle (P), Seranthony Dominguez (P), Holby Milner (P).

DFA’d or Claimed – Elvis Araujo (RP), David Buchanan (SP), Jimmy Cordero (RP).

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Gut Reaction

The Phillies and GM Matt Klentak certainly had their hands full today. Of the players that didn’t make it, five are top 30 prospects (Canelo, Tocci, Cordero, Pujols, and Grullon).

Cordero was DFA’d, but for injury and inconsistency concerns. And there shouldn’t be a huge concern for the other top prospects to be selected in the rule-5 draft simply due to readiness.

However, outfielder Andrew Pullin stands out as the player that could be taken. After a tremendous year at the plate in Reading (AA), and being 23-years-old, he does still have upside. If a team is looking for a 5th outfielder, he could stick.

Next: Could McCann Trade Entice Phillies To Deal Rupp?

While the 40-man is set for now (and all 40 spots are filled), things are always subject to change. Klein, Garcia, Asche, Gonzalez, Mariot, and Morgan stand out as the least likely to hang around much further. Or are at least are the easiest for the club to get rid of (while opening six roster spots) without serious ramifications.

As things stand, the team still has plenty of room to improve while not hurting their future. And if you want to get excited(!), top prospects (such as Knapp, Williams, Lively, Pivetta, Tirado, Appel, etc.) have a legitimate shot of making the team out of camp, or are at least first in line for in-season opportunities.

Stay tuned to TBOH for all rule-5 updates and every hot stove rumor!

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