Phillies have slim pickings in free agent reliever market

Players with player options

There are three relievers with player options this offseason and all three are very familiar names.

Aroldis Chapman

The Yankees star closer is one of, if not the, biggest names available in free agency this offseason. He leads the league with 35 saves while sporting a 2.35 ERA in his sixth all-star season.

Chapman has undoubtedly been one of the best relievers in baseball, even in high-pressure markets like New York and Chicago during the Cubs World Series run.

One hesitation the Phillies could have is Chapman’s domestic violence history, which led to a 30-game suspension. After Odubel Herrera’s domestic violence suspension this year, will the Phillies be warry of signing a player like Chapman?

One the field he’s certainly one of the best, but it would take a big seal of approval (and check) from the Middleton family to sign Chapman.

Kenley Jansen

The Dodgers closer has an $18 million player option for 2020 and a $20 million option for 2021. I’d be surprised to see Jansen opt-out of $38 million guaranteed after he missed time with a heart condition.

Jansen has bounced back from surgery, yet as a career-worst 3.59 ERA, which says something about his career. He’s still striking out batters at a high rate and has saved 26 games. If Jansen opts out the Phillies could show interest.

Tony Watson

The 34-year-old Giants reliever hasn’t had his best season, highlighted by a 4.63 ERA, but he has a long track record of success with a 2.57 ERA in his previous five seasons.

Watson has a $2.5 million player option, so we could see him hit the open market. He’s primarily a groundball pitcher and could provide depth as a southpaw in the Phillies bullpen.