Five non-tendered free agents for Phillies to consider

Blake Parker

Blake Parker started off his career rather inconspicuously. He started off as a Cub for a couple years before electing free agency at the end of the 2015 season. Parker split the 2016 season between the Mariners and Yankees.

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Parker had zero clue where he was going to spend the 2017 season. He was designated for assignment by the Yankees, claimed by the Angels, DFAd again, claimed by the Brewers, DFAd yet again, claimed again by the Angels, DFAd for the fourth time before finally being outrighted to Triple-A with an invite to spring training.

Parker had something to prove in 2017 after being bounced around so many times. That year, he made 71 relief appearances, recording a 2.54 ERA, 2.71 FIP, and 1.8 Baseball-Reference wins above replacement. He struck out 33.9% of opposing hitters while walking only 6.3%.

2018 was a bit of a step back for Parker, finishing the year with a 3.26 ERA, 4.40 FIP, and 1.24 WHIP. His strikeout rate fell from 25.4%, although that is still a significantly high rate. He gave up 12 home runs in 66.1 innings, far more fly balls than the two years prior.

The Angels opted not to tender Parker a contract despite being just one year removed from that breakout year. He was only projected to make $3.1 million, not a terrible salary for a reliever, especially one with such high upside.

Given the kind of year Parker had in 2017, teams will be interested in him, hoping that season wasn’t just a flash in the pan. As with the previous two players, he could help out a Phillies bullpen that still needs some work before the 2019 season begins.