6 former Phillies who could still get a World Series ring this year

After their disappointing exit in their NLDS loss to the New York Mets, the Philadelphia Phillies won’t be receiving World Series rings this year (or next year when the winning team actually hands them out). After sky-high expectations to begin the season and a hot first half led to their third straight postseason appearance, a second trip to the World Series in three years wasn't in the cards for this edition of the Phillies.

While Rob Thomson, Bryce Harper and company have to wait until next fall to make another run at a World Series title, some former Phillies could still be in line to receive rings from this year’s eventual winning club.

Here are all the former Phillies who still have a chance to get a ring (shoutout to Phillies Tailgate on X for the list).

Jake Diekman, NYM

Even though he's not currently on the team, Jake Diekman appeared in 43 games for the New York Mets this season after signing a one-year contract last winter and could find himself with a ring. The former Phillies draft pick posted a 5.63 ERA and 1.47 WHIP in 32 innings of relief for the Mets before being designated for assignment and released in early August.

Now 37, Diekman spent parts of four seasons in Philadelphia from 2012 to 2015. He had a 9-11 record and a 3.84 ERA in 191 games before being traded with Cole Hamels to the Texas Rangers in 2015.

Connor Brogdon, LAD

A more recently traded Phillies player, Connor Brogdon has a better chance at getting a World Series ring than if he had remained in Philadelphia despite only throwing one inning for the Los Angeles Dodgers this year. The Phillies traded their 2017 10th-round pick and 2022 postseason stud to Los Angeles at the beginning of the season after a disastrous outing against the Cincinnati Reds.

The 29-year-old allowed two runs in his single outing for the Dodgers before being placed on the 15-day IL with plantar fasciitis in his right foot on April 13. He made it back to action in mid-August and finished out the season pitching for the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate.

Ben Lively, CLE

Ben Lively was left off the Cleveland Guardians' ALDS roster and originally the ALCS roster as well, but was recently added after an injury to Alex Cobb. He threw 1 1/3 innings in Game 2, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out two and will certainly pick up a World Series ring if his team goes all the way this season.

Lively spent parts of four seasons in the Phillies organization from 2015 to 2018 before being claimed off waivers by the Kansas City Royals. The 32-year-old right-hander was a valuable piece of the Guardians' rotation this season, posting a 13-10 record with a 3.81 ERA in 29 starts.

Spencer Howard, CLE

A second-round pick in 2017, Spencer Howard bounced from San Francisco to the Guardians and back to the Giants this season. The former No. 1 Phillies prospect allowed eight earned runs in five innings in Cleveland before refusing an assignment to the minors and becoming a free agent.

Howard appeared in 17 games for the Phillies between 2020 and 2021, posting a 5.81 ERA in 52 2/3 innings before being traded to the Rangers at the 2021 trade deadline.

Enyel De Los Santos, NYY

Enyel De Los Santos had a brief 6 1/3 inning stay with the New York Yankees this season after being acquired from the San Diego Padres. He ended up with the Chicago White Sox through waivers. Originally traded to the Phillies by the Padres in 2017 for Freddy Galvis, De Los Santos spent parts of three seasons in Philadelphia, posting a 6.21 ERA in 58 innings of work.

Mark Leiter Jr., NYY

A Phillies' 22nd-round draft pick in 2013, the Yankees acquired Mark Leiter Jr. from the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline this season. The 33-year-old threw 21 1/3 innings out of the bullpen for New York with a 4.98 ERA. Despite being close to making it on both occasions, Leiter wasn't added to the Yanks' ALDS or ALCS rosters.

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