Predicting how 2020 Phillies pitchers will do in free agency

Blake Parker

Right-hander Blake Parker was perhaps the Phillies best reliever during the 2020 season. Obviously, that’s not saying much, but it bodes well for the eight-year veteran on the open market. On the other hand, Parker only pitched in 14 games in 2020, and it was his first effective season since 2017. At age 35 and without much of a track record, Parker will be hard-pressed to sign a major league deal.

My prediction: Minor league deal

Heath Hembree

I’m honestly not sure that RHP Heath Hembree will be able to sign a major league contract this offseason. While that shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise considering his 2020 numbers, I still feel bad for him. He could have earned close to $2 million in his final year of arbitration, had the Phillies tendered him a contract.

Hopefully for Hembree, he’ll be able to sign a minor league deal this offseason and re-establish his value as a competent middle reliever.

My prediction: Minor league contract

Tommy Hunter

The Phillies signed RHP Tommy Hunter to a one-year, $850,000 contract last offseason. Hunter is one of the most longest-tenured relievers in the Phillies bullpen, having first donned red pinstripes in the first year under former manager Gabe Kapler (2018). Combined through 94 appearances with the Phillies, he has gone 5-5 with a 3.64 ERA, 1.170 WHIP, and 81-21 strikeout-to-walk ratio spanning 94 innings.

Hunter was good enough in 2020 to prove that he deserves another major league contract, but his numbers weren’t eye-popping and he’ll be another year older this offseason.

My prediction: 1 year, $850,000 again