Phillies rumors: Discussing contract with reliever Addison Reed

The Phillies apparently are still looking to add to their bullpen, reportedly discussing a contract with reliever Addison Reed.

The Phillies upgraded their bullpen Monday night, reportedly agreeing to terms with Pat Neshek on a two-year contract. That move alone stands to improve what was already a pretty solid bullpen at the end of the season, but it seems that the team isn’t done adding to their bullpen just yet.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that Philadelphia has been discussing a potential contract with soon-to-be 29-year-old reliever Addison Reed.

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Reed is one of the top relievers on the market this winter, ranked only behind Wade Davis and Greg Holland by MLB Trade Rumors. They predicted Reed would sign a four-year, $36 million contract this offseason with the Cubs. Chicago has shown interest in Reed along with the Cardinals and Mets.

For a team with as much salary cap room as Philadelphia, Reed’s projected contract is pretty reasonable.

Plus, he would still only be 32 years old at the end of it.

Reed has been a strong reliever the past two years, posting a 2.40 ERA, 0.996 WHIP, and 5.96 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 157 appearances with the Mets and Red Sox. He ranks eighth among all relievers in wins above replacement in that span. Reed also saw an uptick in swing and swinging strike rates in 2017.

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General manager Matt Klentak expressed his desire to build a loaded bullpen Tuesday to reporters, and signing Reed would help do exactly that: [quote via Matt Gelb of Philly.com]

"“If we can run out a bullpen of seven or eight guys that are all high-leverage-type arms, then we can start matching up in the fifth or sixth inning,” Klentak said. “If there are days when our young starters throw 100 pitches to get us through five or six innings, we shouldn’t be in a position where that’s taxing our bullpen because we have the ability to carry an eighth bullpen member next year.”"

Next: Jake Arrieta being considered by Phillies

If Reed does sign with Philadelphia, their go-to relief group would be Hector Neris, Neshek, and Reed. Luis Garcia and Adam Morgan are solid options as well, with a few younger players mixed in to fill out the last few spots.