Phillies rumors: Five non-tender candidates to sign in free agency

Phillies general manager Matt Kletnak has some new free agents to look over

After the arbitration tender deadline passed last week several players opted to go into free agency. Many of the names now available are former top prospects and one-shot wonders, giving the Phillies a potential diamond in the rough.

Here are five pitchers the organization should look into after they were non-tendered by their original club.

Chi Chi Gonzalez

Chi Chi Gonzalez was one of the players Ruben Amaro Jr. had a chance to acquire in the Cole Hamels trade. The Rangers first round pick from 2013 missed the entire 2017 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery and is likely to miss a bulk of next year as well.

At 25-years-old Gonzalez has the opportunity to start anew and rehab on his own schedule. It’s a long-term investment the Phillies can make in a player with a world of talent. Tommy John surgery is serious and requires tenuous rehab, but pitchers can return better and stronger. Gabe Kapler and Matt Klentak have said they will turn over every stone to find the best players. Giving Gonzalez a second chance with no pressure on his shoulders could pay off for the Phillies down the road.