As the major-league offseason continues with stars and regulars alike signing free-agent contracts, teams’ rosters are beginning to take shape ahead of next season.
The Phillies will have a new look in the middle infielde after landing All-Star shortstop Trea Turner, and some key members of the pitching staff have moved on as Zach Eflin (Rays), Kyle Gibson (Orioles), David Robertson (Mets) and Noah Syndergaard (Dodgers) have found new homes.
Still, a handful of National League Champion Phillies remain unsigned in free agency, waiting to see how they will play into the roster picture in Philadelphia or elsewhere. Here is a look at the remaining free agents who finished the 2022 season with the Phillies and where they might end up.
Jean Segura, Second Baseman
In his fourth season in Philadelphia, Segura made the playoffs for the first time in his 11-year career in the bigs, snapping a much-discussed postseason drought for both the team and the veteran himself. But now, the 32-year-old will likely need to find a different club after the Phillies signed Turner.
Segura had a .723 OPS in 98 regular-season games this season while also providing some spark on both sides in a rollercoaster playoff run. ESPN‘s Kiley McDaniel mentioned the Angels as a potential fit for the second baseman, but any team in need of short-term middle-infield help could Segura’s services, including the White Sox and Dodgers. Prediction: White Sox.
Brad Hand, Left-Handed Pitcher
The 2022 regular season was largely a success for Hand, the soft-tossing veteran lefty. He posted a 2.80 ERA in 45 innings, pitching around diminished stuff to put together a solid campaign despite a 1.333 WHIP.
However, that seemed to catch up with Hand in the postseason as he allowed three earned runs in 5 2/3 playoff innings and a pivotal home run by Juan Soto in the NLCS. After the Phillies signed left-hander Matt Strahm, it appears that Hand’s season with the team will be his only. Still, the 32-year-old has a track record of success that should get him an opportunity somewhere. Prediction: Brewers.
Corey Knebel, Right-Hander Pitcher
Knebel signed a one-year deal with the Phillies last season to help solidify the back end of the bullpen, but not much went to plan. Perhaps another year in Philadelphia could give the two sides a chance to make things right.
The right-hander struggled in the closer role early in the season, leading to his removal from save duties. He started to figure it out in more of a set-up and middle reliever before a torn shoulder capsule ended his season in August, preventing him from contributing in the postseason.
Knebel had a 3.43 ERA in 44 2/3 innings in 2022, and there’s reason to think the 31-year-old has more to give next season if his shoulder is healthy. Mike Puma of The New York Post reported that the Mets could have interest in the right-hander, but a reunion with the Phillies makes sense as well. Prediction: Phillies.
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