4 bounce-back candidates the Phillies should target in free agency

The Philadelphia Phillies are fortunate enough to be entering the 2024-25 offseason without a very big to-do list. The club just wrapped up a 95-win campaign, and even though it didn't result in a deep playoff run, the squad is largely set for next season.

That doesn't mean the powers that be will just sit on their hands and do nothing this winter, though. Heck, the offseason hasn't even officially started yet and the Phillies are on the list of teams expected to pursue Juan Soto, the market's top free agent.

Other than that, the club could use another outfielder, one or two relief arms capable of high-leverage usage and perhaps another starting pitcher since Taijuan Walker can't be relied upon.

Let's take a more specific look at the free-agent market and identify some bounce-back candidates that could be had on cheap, short-term contracts. The Phillies are lucky to not have an extensive list of "needs" this winter, so we're going to focus on players that aren't on the same level of play as someone like Soto.

4 bounce-back candidates the Phillies should pursue this winter

Shane Bieber

All throughout the upcoming offseason, Bieber is going to top every single list of this ilk. The right-hander is a former Cy Young Award winner who's also got a pair of All-Star Game appearances, a pitching Triple Crown and an ERA Title under his belt.

Still not even 30 years of age, Bieber made two (scoreless) appearances for the Guardians this year before an injury wiped out the remainder of his season. In typical fashion, he struck out 20 batters while walking zero and allowing no runs on 10 base hits. He showed what he's capable of when he's "on," but all the missed time this year means he's not guaranteed a long-term contract in free agency.

Since he won't even be available to pitch until around midseason of 2025, Bieber is a prime candidate for a one-year contract with a club option for a second year. His value is fairly low due to the fact that he's going to miss a chunk of next season, so the Phillies should strike if they're serious about improving the few spots on their roster that need an upgrade.

Craig Kimbrel

It's a shame to see Kimbrel fall out of favor of the fanbase of every team he pitches for. He's not far removed from being viewed as one of the best closers the game has ever seen, but his numbers sure have faltered a bit as he's aged.

Kimbrel is an old friend of the Phillies, having made the All-Star Game for the club back in 2023 while appearing in 71 games, earning 23 saves and striking out 94 batters in just 69 innings of work.

This year, Kimbrel suited up for the Orioles and things didn't go well, especially in the second half. He finished his 57-game tenure with a 5.33 ERA, but that is seriously bogged down by that second-half showing. In 39 first-half outings, Kimbrel posted a 2.80 ERA across 39 games, earning 23 saves and striking out 53 batters in 35 1/3 innings.

Then he made 18 second-half appearances and had a ghastly 10.59 ERA. His walks skyrocketed and virtually every pitch he threw was more hittable than the last.

You may have to squint a bit to find the fit, but Kimbrel looked electric for long stretches of time this year, regardless of how it ended. He's 36 years of age, so there are not many more free-agent contracts in his future, but the Phillies should give him another look on a one-year pact. Worst case scenario is he doesn't cut it and winds up being released as soon as the Phillies sense trouble. Give it a shot.

Tommy Pham

The Phillies will be running it back with Nick Castellanos and Brandon Marsh in next year's outfield, but the club received some dreadful production out of left and center fields in 2024. Marsh's biggest issue is the fact that he can't hit left-handed pitching, so why not bring Pham (who has a long reputation of being a lefty-masher) aboard?

Pham, an 11-year veteran, has turned into a bit of a journeyman after spending the first five years of his big league career on the Cardinals. However, he's widely regarded as a positive clubhouse presence who wears his heart on his sleeve and gives it his all on the field.

His stints on the Cardinals and Royals didn't go well this season, but he hit .266 with a 104 OPS+ in 70 games for the White Sox before he was moved at the trade deadline. He's still got something left in the tank and can bounce all around the outfield. Like all of the others on this list, he'll come cheap and can be sent packing with no real impact to the Phillies' payroll if he doesn't work out.

Max Scherzer

Scherzer, 40, is a living legend who just wrapped up what was his 17th season in the big leagues. The future Hall of Famer made just nine starts for the Rangers this year, posting a 3.95 ERA and 101 ERA+ across 43 1/3 innings of work.

Since Walker can't be handed the fifth-starter role out of camp next season, bringing a proven winner like Scherzer aboard could be the move. His durability has waned a bit as he's aged, but he's already 40 years old and has a very, very long list of career accolades that will tell you all you need to know about what he's capable of.

A sub-4.00 ERA from a pitcher that's Scherzer's age is no joke. Since he looked promising in a small sample this season, he easily qualifies as a player primed for a bounce-back.