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10 free agents the Philadelphia Phillies should still be interested in

By David Esser

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 08: J.T. Realmuto #10 of the Philadelphia Phillies during a game against the Boston Red Sox at Citizens Bank Park on September 8, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Red Sox won 5-2. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 08: J.T. Realmuto #10 of the Philadelphia Phillies during a game against the Boston Red Sox at Citizens Bank Park on September 8, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Red Sox won 5-2. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia Phillies Kirby Yates
Aug 3, 2020; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Kirby Yates (39) pitches during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Kirby Yates, RP

Guess what? Another reliever! Like I just mentioned, the Philadelphia Phillies had a historically bad bullpen last year. They’d be fools to not check in with a plethora of relievers this offseason.

Going with the running theme of identifying pitchers primed for a bounce-back season, RHP Kirby Yates fits the bill. Yates was arguably the best closer in the National League in 2018 and 2019, even receiving some Cy Young consideration during the 2019 season. He posted a 2.14 ERA in 2018, and led all of baseball in 2019 with 41 saves (1.19 ERA).

Yates made just six appearances in 2020 before his season was cut short due to injury, making him a prime candidate for someone like the Phillies to pursue. He’ll likely be taking a smaller, shorter contract this offseason due to his rough 2020 campaign, but he has that inherent potential of returning to his 2018/2019 form.

Even a version of Yates that is only 75% of his former self would be a welcome addition to the Phillies bullpen. Similar to that of Archie Bradley, Yates would immediately enter the bullpen as Girardi’s go-to closer, allowing him to slot one Hector Neris into the set-up role.

Yates turns 34 in March which is less than ideal, but the Phillies really can’t be too picky here.

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