Ahead of the 2020 season, let’s take a closer look at the Philadelphia Phillies’ free agents and see who may be worth pursuing in the offseason.
After an 86-76 season, the New York Mets’ first winning season since 2016, the team is likely to make some moves in the offseason to position themselves for a postseason berth in 2020. The Phillies left a lot to be desired in 2019, going 81-81 with the hope that Bryce Harper would help carry them to their first postseason since 2011.
Tommy Hunter, RHP
Right-hander Tommy Hunter underwent season-ending surgery in July of 2019 to repair his flexor tendon in his throwing arm. Though he posted a 0.00 ERA on the 2019 season, he only pitched 5.1 innings, allowing two hits. Hunter went 5-4 in 2018 and posted a 3.80 ERA and 3.63 FIP, making him a potential candidate for the bullpen; however, we can’t bank on the fact that Hunter will have a fully-healed arm and be back and better than ever for the 2020 season, likely making him a risky choice to pursue.
Verdict: Pass
Juan Nicasio, RHP
Right-handed reliever Juan Nicasio went 2-3 in 2019, posting a 4.75 ERA over 47.1 innings. Nicasio landed on the IL for a groin strain in July, and again in August after experiencing rotator cuff tightness that put him out until late September. Nicasio 3.87 FIP was almost a full run lower than his ERA, but his injury status and ERA certainly make him a questionable signing unless he resorts to taking a minor-league deal.
Verdict: Pass
Corey Dickerson, LF
Corey Dickerson, who owned a 2.7 fWAR in 2018, had a solid season after coming back from a shoulder injury in July. While playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Dickerson had a .315/.373/.551 slash line with 12 homers and 59 RBI. The Pirates traded Dickerson to the Phillies in late July. In Philadelphia, Dickerson hit .293 over 137 plate appearances. In September, he suffered a foot fracture that put him out for the remainder of the season. Defensively, he hasn’t played center field since 2015, though, and registered -6 DRS and a -4.7 UZR in left this past season.
Verdict: Pass
Drew Smyly, LHP
Drew Smyly, who was on a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers before coming to Philadelphia, went 4-7 in 2019, owning a 6.24 ERA over 114 innings. The lefty’s HR/9 was a career-worst of 2.53 and a 6.26 FIP. He also delivered a 1.588 WHIP, the worst of his major league career, and finished the season with a 0.5 WAR.
Verdict: Pass
Brad Miller, IF/OF
Brad Miller owned a .263/.331/.610 slash line for the season. He was often used off the bench, but stepped up late in the season to play left field in light of Corey Dickerson’s foot injury. Over 130 plate appearances, Miller hit 13 home runs, five of which were hit after September 20, and 25 RBI. Miller even made Phillies history late in the season, as the first player with three multi-home run games over the course of nine games. He also appeared in games at five different positions.
Verdict: Possibly Sign
