Phillies: Phil Gosselin signs MiLB deal with AL West team

Back in November, former Philadelphia Phillies utility player Phil Gosselin told MLB Network Radio that he would like to return for a third season in red pinstripes for his hometown team — with the caveat that he would remain teammates with star catcher J.T. Realmuto.

“He’s one of the best that I’ve ever played with, obviously,” Gosselin said. “If I’m back in Philly, I’m hoping he’s there too, because I’d rather play with him than against him next year.”

Former Phillies player Phil Gosselin has inked a MiLB deal with a spring invite.

Fast-forward to now, we know that Realmuto indeed will play for the Phillies in 2021 and beyond — but without Gosselin. The eight-year veteran signed a minor-league deal with the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday, according to The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya.

Gosselin will be invited to big-league spring training. The 32-year-old will get at least one of his wishes that he will not have to face Realmuto in 2021, as the Phillies are set to once again face American League East clubs in interleague action.

Gosselin returned to the Phillies in 2020 originally on a minor-league pact, but impressed greatly in summer camp to secure his big-league roster spot. Across 39 games, he slashed .250/.324/.402 with five doubles, three home runs, 12 RBI, 10 walks, and 27 strikeouts spanning 102 plate appearances.

Phil Gosselin returns to the American League for the first time since 2017.

Gosselin was hitting above .300 through 27 of the 39 games (.303), but finished the season on a cold streak, collecting just three singles across his last 27 plate appearances. Overall, Gosselin has 19 RBI through his 83 games played with the Phillies between the 2019-20 seasons. In the field, he played the corner outfield positions, as well as third base, shortstop, second base, and first base.

Other teams Gosselin has played for include the Atlanta Braves (2013-15), Arizona Diamondbacks (2015-16), Pittsburgh Pirates (2017), Texas Rangers (2017), and Cincinnati Reds (2018). During Gosselin’s previous and only AL stint in Texas, he hit just .125/.125/.250 through 12 games and eight plate appearances, collecting only a double while striking out three times.