Sneaky Phillies roster moves free them up to spend big in free agency

The Phillies have been wise with spending, hinting that a big deal is on the way.

In his first full offseason as the Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski surely has been creative with roster moves.

On Monday, the Phillies claimed right-handed pitcher Yoan López off of waivers from the defending World Series champion Atlanta Braves. This transaction marked their fourth waiver claim since the end of the 2021 season. In a corresponding move, outfielder Roman Quinn was designated for assignment.

2021-22 Phillies Offseason Waiver Claims So Far

• November 5: LHP Ryan Sherriff, from Tampa Bay Rays (2 options remaining)
• November 16: LHP Kent Emanuel, from Houston Astros (3 options remaining)
• November 24: LHP Scott Moss, from Cleveland Guardians (1 option remaining)
• November 29: RHP Yoan López, from Atlanta Braves (N/A options remaining)

In addition to these waiver wire moves — as well as several other minor-league signings — the Phillies have bolstered their depth through recent trades. They acquired right-hander Nick Nelson and catcher Donny Sands from the New York Yankees, as well as catcher Garrett Stubbs from the Houston Astros.

By choosing to allow both Andrew McCutchen and Odubel Herrera to enter free agency, one would think the organization has plans to bolster its outfield to complement reigning National League MVP Bryce Harper for the 2022 season.

These aforementioned cheap, low-risk and potentially high-reward deals only free up room for the Phillies to spend big in free agency. On Monday, the team was linked in reports to multiple marquee free-agents that include Chris Taylor, Kris Bryant, Nick Castellanos, Kyle Schwarber, and Michael Conforto. Previously, the team was connected via rumors to infielder Trevor Story and Craig Kimbrel.

According to Spotrac, the 2022 Phillies payroll is currently estimated at $45 million below the luxury tax. Time will tell which free-agents the team acquires with the goal to snap a decade-long postseason drought come next season.