Five non-tendered free agents for Phillies to consider

Brad Boxberger

Brad Boxberger is another pitcher non-tendered Diamondback who could be a worthwhile signing this offseason. Relief pitcher is the ultimate boom or bust position, as Boxberger as shown throughout his career.

Boxberger made his major-league debut as a Padre in 2012 after being traded to them by the Reds, who drafted him with the No. 43 overall pick in 2009. He posted a good ERA but so-so fielding-independent pitching in two seasons, being traded to the Rays prior to the 2014 season.

Boxberger shined in 2014, posting a 2.37 ERA, 2.84 FIP, and 14.5 strikeouts per nine innings. The next year, he led the league with 41 saves and was named an All-Star. The 2016 and 2017 seasons were stunted by injury as Boxberger dealt with an oblique injury and right flexor strain.

Boxberger was traded to the Diamondbacks for Curtis Taylor, Arizona’s 2016 fourth-round pick who became a reliever in Tampa’s system. Boxberger was strong early with a 2.11 ERA in his first 23 appearances. He struggled from then on with a 5.91 ERA from June 6 until the end of the year.

Boxberger’s biggest issue, as it has been for large parts of his career, was his control. He walked 5.4 batters per nine innings, 13.6% of the hitters he faced. Even at its best, Boxberger’s walk rate remained above average.

While Boxberger has never been known for his command, if he can rein it in just a tad, he can be effective on the mound. The Phillies should make some improvements to the bullpen for next year. Although Boxberger should not be counted on as the one to make that change, he could wind up being a bargain if he can regain some of his 2014-15 form.