Phillies: 10 veteran relievers to target in free agency

Zach Britton

It’s well-known that the Phillies have kept close tabs on Zach Britton over the last two seasons. Several members of the Phillies front office once worked for the Orioles, including general manager Matt Klentak and president Andy MacPhail.

Britton has consistently been one of the best relievers in baseball since establishing himself in Baltimore back in 2014. Since that season he has a 1.41 ERA in 283 games, an astounding stat, and he rebounded from a torn achillies last offseason.

After failing to trade for Britton at the trade deadline last year the Phillies are in prime position to add the All-Star reliever. While he isn’t saving 30-40 games like he once was, Britton is still a dominant pitcher whose numbers could only get better should he move to the National League.

Jeurys Familia

The Phillies reportedly looked into trading for Familia at the trade deadline, but were ultimately not among the favorites when the Mets pulled the trigger on a deal with Oakland.

One of the biggest issues with Familia is the off-field and public perceptions following a 15-game suspension for domestic violence allegations while with the Mets. The charges were dropped due to a lack of evidence but that doesn’t help the public perception of a person who has faced heinous charges such as these.

Familia posted decent numbers for the Mets and Athletics last year with a 3.13 ERA in 70 games with 83 strikeouts. His ERA did climb a bit when he went to Oakland, but it makes sense going to the American League where you face full-time designated hitters and not cold pinch-hitters as often.

Familia hasn’t had as stellar of a season since his 51 save campaign with the Mets in 2016 but he’s still one of the best late game relievers in baseball.