Phillies Make Strategic Moves as MLB Free Agency Kicks Off

Roster Changes: Five Players Out In a bold move to reshape their roster, the Phillies outrighted right-handers Yunior Marte, Luis Ortiz, and Freddy Tarnok, lefty Kolby Allard, and infielder Rodolfo Castro. All five players cleared waivers and are now free agents. Notably, Allard would have been eligible for arbitration, making his departure a strategic choice as the Phillies aim to optimize their roster and budget for the future. New Acquisitions: Filling the Gaps To fill the void left by the departed players, the Phillies made three significant transactions, all focusing on bolstering their pitching staff. They acquired Devin Sweet from the Tigers in a cash deal, claimed John McMillon off waivers from the Marlins, and selected the contract of Alan Rangel. Devin Sweet: At 28, Sweet had an impressive season in the Tigers' Triple-A affiliate, striking out 111 batters over 76 innings. He also had a taste of the big leagues, appearing in seven games for the Mariners and Athletics in 2023. John McMillon: The 26-year-old right-hander showcased his potential with a stellar 1.69 ERA and 21 strikeouts in just 16 innings across two teams in 2023. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations could be a significant asset for the Phillies. Alan Rangel: Having signed a minor-league deal with the Phillies last July, Rangel appeared in 10 games for Lehigh Valley. While he has shown promise with high strikeout totals, his high ERAs in the Braves' system indicate room for improvement. Looking Ahead: The 40-Man Roster With the recent changes, the Phillies' 40-man roster now sits at 37 players. This opens up opportunities for further acquisitions, whether through trades or free agent signings. Additionally, the team will need to protect promising prospects from the Rule 5 draft, and two pitchers—Mick Abel and Moises Chace—are likely to be added to the roster in the coming weeks. Mick Abel: The 2020 first-round pick has faced challenges in his development but remains a key prospect for the Phillies. The organization is committed to helping him refine his skills and improve his strike-throwing consistency. Moises Chace: Acquired from Baltimore for Gregory Soto, Chace struck out an impressive 124 batters in 80⅓ innings last season across Single A and Double A. His potential could make him a valuable addition to the Phillies' pitching rotation.