Phillies Rumors: Club Signs OF Daniel Nava to Compete for Bench Role
While the Phillies have not the most exciting name on the free agent market, Daniel Nava could be a key piece to the bench
Matt Klentak left the Winter Meetings with Joaquin Benoit, and not much else. Once he returned to Philadelphia, it appears he has tied up some loose ends left in Washington D.C.
According to multiple reports, the Phillies will sign veteran outfielder Daniel Nava to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training.
Nava will have the opportunity to be a switch-hitter off the bench for the Phillies, while also providing depth in the outfield. The 33-year-old has also seen time at first base in his career.
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A key cog to the Boston Red Sox 2013 World Series team, Nava hit .303 with 12 home runs in-route to a ring. Since his time in Boston, his production has drifted as a major league player.
In six total seasons in the majors, Nava has a career .262 batting average and 25 home runs. Last year he played just nine games for the Royals, and 45 for the Angels.
Philadelphia will be the first National League organization Nava has been a part of. He does have one home run in his career at Citizens Bank Park.
Fans can expect to see Nava primarily against righties, whom he has a .275 career batting average and 20 home runs against.
Nava will lead a bench that is considerably bare at this stage of the offseason. With no infield depth currently on the 25-man roster, and the loser of the right field job (Roman Quinn/Aaron Altherr) projected to be demoted, Nava seems to be the lone reserve at this moment.
Klentak did hint that prospect Andrew Knapp could start the season as the back-up catcher behind Cameron Rupp.
Just a couple of days ago, I highlighted Nava could be on the Phillies radar as a role player:
"“Signing or trading for an impact bat of t hat magnitude won’t happen. Reserves such as Brandon Moss, Logan Morrison, or Daniel Nava could compete for a job on a young team. Utility men such as Andres Blanco, Daniel Descalso, or Stephen Drew could fill that role.”"
It appears Matt Klentak has found my work and approves. I’ll send my card over on Monday, Matt.