Phillies rumor: Pat Neshek return being discussed internally

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 09: Pat Neshek #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies delivers a pitch in the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Citizens Bank Park on July 9, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies won 7-1. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 09: Pat Neshek #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies delivers a pitch in the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Citizens Bank Park on July 9, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies won 7-1. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)

A fan favorite could be returning to the Phillies bullpen this offseason

One of the Phillies biggest trade chips from last season could be finding his way back to red pinstripes. NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Jim Salisbury reports the Phillies have had internal discussions regarding free agent reliever Pat Neshek.

After being the team’s lone All-Star last season Neshek was traded to the Colorado Rockies at the trade deadline for three prospects, two of which are now among the Phillies top-30 prospects according to MLB Pipeline.

Jose GomezJ.D. Hammer, and Alejandro Requena are expected to pitch in the low to mid levels of the organization next year. Hammer impressed in the Arizona Fall League holding hitters to a .081 batting average in 11 2/3 innings and posted a 0.57 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 15 2/3 innings with Clearwater.

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With a funky sidearm delivery, Neshek dominated for the Phillies over his 43 relief appearances with an ERA of 1.12 with 45 strikeouts. At 37-years-old Neshek proved to be one of the better relievers in the National League after the general manager Matt Klentak acquired him from the Astros for cash/player to be named later.

As Philadelphia’s bullpen stands today, only Luis Garcia is over the age of 30 going into next season. Expected to be led by Hector Neris, Hoby Millner, Adam Morgan, and Edubray Ramos Klentak would love to add one or two pieces to the bullpen.

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As the team looks to move Freddy Galvis and Cesar Hernandez keep an eye out for the return of a reliever in trade packages during the winter meetings.