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Phillies: Breaking down the 40-man roster

By George Stockburger

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 15: Adonis Medina of the World Team pitches in the seventh inning against the U.S. Team during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at Nationals Park on July 15, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 15: Adonis Medina of the World Team pitches in the seventh inning against the U.S. Team during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at Nationals Park on July 15, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – SEPTEMBER 4: Wilson Ramos #40 of the Philadelphia Phillies is congratulated by teammates after scoring in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on September 4, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – SEPTEMBER 4: Wilson Ramos #40 of the Philadelphia Phillies is congratulated by teammates after scoring in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on September 4, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) /

Free Agency

The Phillies have just four players on their major league roster set to hit free agency: Wilson Ramos, Jose Bautista, Asdrubal Cabrera, and Aaron Loup. All of them were acquired at the trade deadline and performed at various levels during their short stints in Philadelphia.

Of those four, Ramos is the only one I believe the organization will attempt to bring back. That opens up three spots on the 40-man roster for prospects and free agents. Ramos returning isn’t a guarantee

The Phillies are favorites to add a marquee free agent this offseason, and the two most notable names are Manny Machado and Bryce Harper. While it’s possible the Phillies could sign both Harper and Machado, it’s more likely they get one or the other.

There’s also room to add another pitcher such as Patrick Corbin or Dallas Kuechel to the rotation, or another veteran to the bullpen. Superstars such as Craig Kimbrel, Andrew Miller, and Zach Britton headline the class, while Adam Ottavino, Jake Diekman, Jeurys Familia, and Kelvin Herrera could be just as effective for much less.

Philadelphia also must protect prospects eligible for the Rule 5 Draft.

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