Fansided

5 more free agents the Philadelphia Phillies need to target

By Joshua Sadlock

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 12: Atlanta Braves Third Base Josh Donaldson (20) smiles after the first inning during the game between the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies on September 12, 2019 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 12: Atlanta Braves Third Base Josh Donaldson (20) smiles after the first inning during the game between the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies on September 12, 2019 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 15: Will Harris #36 of the Houston Astros pitches during the eighth inning against the New York Yankees in game three of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium on October 15, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 15: Will Harris #36 of the Houston Astros pitches during the eighth inning against the New York Yankees in game three of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium on October 15, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

3. Will Harris

The Phillies bullpen had a 4.38 ERA last season – not great, but not terrible. A team that wants to contend, however, without a fully-formed starting rotation, needs something more than a mediocre relief corps. Injuries right off the bat to Pat Neshek, Tommy Hunter and David Robertson effectively killed any hope the Phillies had of fielding a strong bullpen.

Several big reliever names have already come off the market this winter, including Drew Pomeranz, Chris Martin and Will Smith. There’s still a lot of good depth left to sift through for teams hoping to fill out their bullpen. The Phillies are going to have to add at least one more reliever to help bridge the gap to Robertson in the ninth inning. There’s also no guarantee Robertson can even stay healthy as he enters his age-35 season.

Will Harris may be the best reliever left on the open market. Like Robertson, he is also entering his age-35 season but has not thrown as many career innings. Harris did not fully establish himself in the big leagues until his age-28 season, but has developed one of the best cutters in the game. Harris does not have overwhelming velocity, but his cutter has helped him to a 2.36 ERA over the last five seasons in Houston. Harris had a 1.50 ERA in 60 innings last season and was dominant in the playoffs, Howie Kendrick’s amazing piece of hitting in Game 7 aside.

If the Phillies cannot woo Harris, there are a few more veteran options available who can be had on two-year deals for under $10 million per year. Sergio Romo has a lengthy track record of success in the big leagues, as does Steve Cishek. Daniel Hudson has closing experience from the end of the season in Washington. Brandon Kintzler is another established veteran who throws strikes and gets outs. Any one of these relievers would provide a big boost to the Phillies bullpen in 2020.

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