Relievers Robert Suarez & Rafael Montero have re-signed with the Padres and Astros respectively - the 31 year old Suarez got a reported five year deal averaging around $9 million per season. Montero ( 32 years old ) received a reported three year deal averaging around $11 million per season with a three year contract. Both are high velo pitchers with put away second pitched and were used in set up rolls this past season.
On 11/7/22 I posted an article which listed both Suarez and Montero as potential Phillies pitching targets along with Nick Martinez of the Padres and Seth Lugo of the Mets. Here’s a link to that article - https://www.philliesbaseballfan.com/post/11-7-22-phillies-free-agent-possibilities
Martinez has since opted out of his contract with San Diego and is now on the free agent market - word is he’s seeking an opportunity to be part of a starting rotation. 🧐
I think that two more right handed bullpen hurlers that perhaps get Phillies consideration on the free agent market are Carlos Estevez of the Rockies and Trevor May of the Mets. Estevez is a high-velo option who averages 98 mph on his fastball and has a slider and change up as offsetting pitches. He is 29 years old and appeared in 62 games last season for Colorado. May is a former Phillies minor leaguer ( 2008 4th round draft selection ) - he’s 33 years old - averages 96 mph with the fastball and has a slider, change up and splitter in his off speed arsenal - he was limited to 25 innings in 2022 missing extended time with a humerus bone strain in his arm - would have to insure he’s healthy. Trevor did return to action late in the season and pitched well - more like he performed in 2021 when he was a solid member of New York’s bullpen.
I’ve always been a big fan of Mychal Givens - the 32 year old RHP is back on the free agent market after posting a 3.38 ERA in 61 appearances between the Cubs and Mets. He’s generally a strike thrower who posted 71 Ks and 25 walks in 61 1/3 IP in 2022 - in his 8 year career he’s got a 2.9 K/BB ratio. Givens has a lower arm angle delivery than is the norm with three pitches in his repertoire ( fastball/slider/change up ) and although the velo dipped to an average of 93 mph last season from 95 mph in 2021 I think there’s plenty left in the tank - have been touting him for a couple years now 🤓.
From the left handed side don’t count out our own Christopher Sanchez as a very viable option for the pen in 2023 - the 25 year old was on the yo-yo in 2022 between the AAA level and the majors. His combination of sinker/slider/change-up with an average fastball velo ranging between 93-95 mph are all big league pitches. He threw the ball very well as a starter for Lehigh Valley but I believe there’s a truer path to sticking in the show as a reliever - also believe that’s how the Phillies are thinking.
Andrew Chaffin ( the Sheriff ) might also be a consideration as a lefty reliever. The 32 year old pitched very well for the Tigers in 2022 posting a 2.83 ERA in 64 appearances ( 57 1/3 IP ) with 67 K’s and 19 walks. He’s perhaps a better version of Brad Hand and features a sinker/slider/change-up combination with the fastball generally in the 92 to 93 mph range. He opted out of the second year of his contract that he signed last off-season with the Tigers which would have paid him $6.5 million this season.
I still very much believe that shortstop Trea Turner will be a Phillie next season - not much more to say in that regard.
Just some free agent thoughts is all - Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
Carlos Estevez
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