Five free agents the Phillies should sign this offseason
After years of the Phillies sitting out on signing big names in free agency, they are back in the mix of teams ready to sign top-notch free agents.
For the first year in quite some time, the Phillies could do more in free agency than just sign stopgap pieces. They showed enough potential at the end of the year to attract higher-end free agents, and they have the wallet for any extra convincing a potential free agent might need.
With free agency just around the corner, here are five free agents the Phillies should pursue this offseason.
No. 5: Starting pitcher Alex Cobb
It’s no secret the Phillies need immediate help with their pitching staff. The 30-year-old Alex Cobb would be a great addition to the pitching rotation in the 2018 season.
Cobb, who has pitched for the Tampa Bay Rays his entire six-year career, posted a ERA of 3.66 and finished the 2017 season with a 12-10 record. This was Cobb’s first full season since having Tommy John surgery, and while his numbers weren’t at peak 2013-2014 Cobb level, he was still a strong starting pitcher.
Cobb could certainly help out the team, and the group of young pitchers the Phillies currently have.
No. 4: First baseman Eric Hosmer
Eric Hosmer would be another great addition to the Phillies’ 2018-2019 roster. He is due to become a free agent on Monday after playing with the Kansas City Royals for eight seasons.
Hosmer won three straight gold gloves from 2013 through 2015. He was an All-Star in 2016 with a tremendous first half.
This season, Hosmer had 25 home runs, matching his career high. He finished the 2017 season with a .318/.385/.498 slash line and 132 OPS+.
Although the Phillies already have Rhys Hoskins, who should be the starting first baseman next year, it’s possible Hosmer will find another position – or Hoskins can go back to left field – if he does signs with the Phillies this offseason. His offensive production could certainly help win games next year.
No. 3: Relief Pitcher Mike Minor
Relief pitcher Mike Minor had his 2018, $10 million option declined by the Kansas City Royals, making him a free agent this season that Philadelphia could and should be interested in.
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Last season, the bullpen was a major factor as to why the Phillies couldn’t hold onto leads and win the ballgame. To say the least, it was one of the worst bullpens to start the year. Minor, who is 29 years old, could be one of those guys who contributes to turning the bullpen around and making it one of the best in the league.
Minor finished the 2016-2017 season with a 2.55 ERA and win-loss record of 6-6. He pitched just 77.2 innings, and struck out 88 batters. Minor collected six saves and 17 holds with the Royals.
2017 was the first time minor pitched in the major-leagues since 2014 after missing two years due to injury. That missed time brings some risk, but Minor showed a second life in the bullpen with Kansas City this year.
No. 2: Right fielder J.D. Martinez
While this seems to be a long-shot, it’s possible 30-year-old right fielder J.D. Martinez could find himself playing in a Phillies uniform next season.
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Martinez started out playing with the Detroit Tigers this year before being traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks where he finished out his season before coming a free agent. Martinez had a dynamic offensive season going before being traded and then took it up a notch to propel the Diamondbacks to the playoffs. In 62 games with Arizona, Martinez hit 29 home runs and drove in 65 runs to go along with a 1.107 OPS.
In February of last year, he signed a 2 year deal with the Tigers reportedly worth $18.5 million. After his stellar offensive season this year, he should make much more money this winter.
People that want Giancarlo Stanton to come to Philadelphia should be happy if Martinez signs as he boasts plenty of power and would cost much less.
No. 1: Closing pitcher Wade Davis
Wade Davis had a great season last season with the Chicago Cubs, posting a 2.30 ERA in 58.2 innings pitched. He recorded 32 saves and struck out 79 batters.
Davis has been an All-Star each of the last three seasons, receiving Cy Young votes with the Royals in 2014 and 2015. Davis was a key part in the Royals team that won the American League pennant in 2014 and the World Series in 2015.
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Multiple teams, including the Phillies, will likely be in the mix for Davis once free agency starts. He would be a boost for any bullpen as a shutdown closer.