A Look Back at the Phillies Transactions - 2020 to 2021

2021 Topps Heritage #337

2021 Topps Heritage #442

2021 Chachi Departures #2

2021 Topps Heritage #69

2021 Topps Heritage #421

I put together this listing each year for the sake of completeness, and similar to recent years I feel the need to hit Publish and quickly move on for the good of my own mental health.

Departures - 2020-2021 Offseason

• Deolis Guerra - rhp (10/14/20) - Elected free agency, signed with the Oakland Athletics (2/2/21).
• Trevor Kelley - rhp (10/14/20) - Elected free agency, signed with the Chicago Cubs (12/14/20).
• Jose Alvarez - lhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency, signed with the San Francisco Giants (3/6/21).
• Jake Arrieta - rhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency, signed with the Chicago Cubs (2/17/21).
• Jay Bruce - of (10/28/20) - Elected free agency, signed with the New York Yankees (2/12/21).
• Tommy Hunter - rhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency, signed with the New York Mets (2/14/21).
• Brandon Workman - rhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency, signed with the Chicago Cubs (2/18/21).
• Phil Gosselin - inf (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency, signed with the Los Angeles Angels (2/11/21).
• Heath Hembree - rhp (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency, singed with the Cleveland Indians (2/5/21).
• Adam Morgan - lhp (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency, signed with the Chicago Cubs (2/12/21).
• Blake Parker - rhp (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency, signed with the Cleveland Indians (2/16/21).
• David Phelps - rhp (10/30/20) - Club option declined, elected free agency, signed with the Toronto Blue Jays (2/11/21).
• David Robertson - rhp (10/30/20) - Club option declined, elected free agency, signed with the Tampa Bay Rays (8/16/21).
• Reggie McClain - rhp (12/10/20) - Selected by the Yankees in the minor league portion of the annual rule 5 draft.
• Garrett Cleavinger - lhp (12/29/20) - Traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers with the Phillies receiving Jose Alvarado in exchange from the Tampa Bay Rays.
• Kyle Garlick - of (1/22/21) - Claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves.
• Victor Arano - rhp (1/22/21) - Claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves.
• Cole Irvin - lhp (1/30/21) - Traded to the Oakland Athletics for cash considerations.

Coming Back - 2020-2021 Offseason

• Ronald Torreyes - inf (10/15/20) - Elected free agency, re-signed with the Phillies (1/4/21).
• J.T. Realmuto - c (10/28/20) - Elected free agency, re-signed with the Phillies (1/29/21).
• Didi Gregorius - ss (10/28/20) - Elected free agency, re-signed with the Phillies (2/10/21).

2021 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs Update #26

2021 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #11

2021 Choice Reading Fightin Phils #3

2021 Topps Allen & Ginter #29

2021 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #7

New Additions - 2020-2021 Offseason

• Jose Alvarado - lhp (12/29/20) - Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays with the Dodgers receiving Garrett Cleavinger in exchange.
• Neftail Feliz - rhp (1/4/21) - Signed as a free agent.
• Sam Coonrod - rhp (1/9/21) - Acquired from the San Francisco Giants for Carson Ragsdale.
• Archie Bradley - rhp (1/18/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Cincinnati Reds.
• David Paulino - rhp (1/18/21) - Signed as a free agent.
• Matt Moore -lhp (2/3/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks.
• Chase Anderson - rhp (2/8/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Toronto Blue Jays.
• Matt Joyce - of (2/10/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Miami Marlins.
• Brandon Kintzler - rhp (2/10/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Miami Marlins.
• Travis Jankowski - of (2/12/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Cincinnati Reds.
• Brad Miller - inf (2/17/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Arrived During the 2021 Season

• Jorge Bonifacio - of (5/25/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Detroit Tigers.
• Cam Bedrosian - rhp (7/7/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Oakland Athletics.
• Hans Crouse - rhp, Kyle Gibson - rhp and Ian Kennedy - rhp (7/30/21) - Acquired from the Texas Rangers with cash for Josh Gessner, Kevin Gowdy and Spencer Howard.
• Freddy Galvis - inf (7/30/21) - Acquired from the Baltimore Orioles for Tyler Burch.

Departed During the 2021 Season

• David Hale - rhp (6/27/21) - Granted free agency.
• Neftali Feliz - rhp (7/3/21) - Granted free agency, signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers (7/5/21).
• Spencer Howard - rhp (7/30/21) - Traded to the Texas Rangers with Josh Gessner and Kevin Gowdy for Hans Crouse, Kyle Gibson, Ian Kennedy and cash.
• Brandon Kintzler - rhp (8/2/21) - Released.
• Chase Anderson - rhp (8/27/21) - Released, signed with the Texas Rangers (8/31/21).
• Vince Velasquez - rhp (9/12/21) - Released, signed with the San Diego Padres (9/15/21).
• Enyel De Los Santos - rhp (9/13/21) - Selected off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
• Matt Joyce - of (9/26/21) - Released.

Game 86 - 2021 Topps #160 Brandon Workman

Red Sox 11, Phillies 5
Game 86 - Friday Night, July 9th in Boston
Record - 42-44, 3rd Place, 5 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Vince Velasquez was hit often and early, leading to a large hole the Phillies couldn't dig out from, in this 11-5 series opening loss to the Red Sox.

What It Means:  This was Velasquez's shortest start of the season, and by far his worst.  After showing flashes of brilliance in his June 29th start against the Marlins, he's fallen back into his old ineffective ways in his last two starts.  In 14 starts this season, Velasquez is now 3-4 with a 5.24 ERA.

What Happened:  The Phillies trailed 9-3 after three innings and the game was pretty much over at that point.  J.D. Martinez went 2 for 3 with four RBIs, including a three-run home run in the second.  Infielder Ronald Torreyes pitched a perfect eighth inning, retiring the Red Sox on five pitches.

Featured Card:  Brandon Workman pitched the ninth inning for the Red Sox, striking out Alec Bohm and Travis Jankowski.  Workman is back with the Red Sox after the Phillies acquired him this time last year in one of franchise's worst trades in recent memory.  Workman was atrocious with the Phillies, ending his short time with the club with a 1-4 record in 14 games, a 6.92 ERA and with batters hitting .377 against him.  He cost the Phillies a top pitching prospect (Connor Seabold) and Nick Pivetta, who the Phillies will face on Sunday.  I was honestly offended to find Topps had given Workman a Phillies card in their series one offering earlier this year.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Bamboo Brad Returns; Flurry of Ex-Phils Sign Elsewhere

2021 Chachi New Additions #10

2021 Chachi Departures #3

2021 Chachi Departures #4

2021 Chachi Departures #5

2021 Chachi Departures #6

On Wednesday, the official first day of spring training, the Phillies announced the return of popular super utility player Brad Miller, who had spent last season with the Cardinals.  Miller's introduction of a lucky bamboo plant to the Phillies clubhouse during the summer of 2019 sparked a mini winning streak, and led to an increase in bamboo sales across the local area.  To make room for Miller on the 40-man roster, reliever Seranthony Dominguez was placed on the 60-day IL as he continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery.

At this point, most of the ex-Phillies that made up the rogue's gallery of the 2020 team have found new homes, with the exceptions of relievers Jose Alvarez and David Robertson.  The day will come when we no longer have to reflect back on the pain caused by the team's 2020 bullpen.  Of the players listed below, I'm saddest to see the departure of Phil Gosselin and I hope The Phillies Room Favorite finds himself a steady job on the Angels' roster.

Departures - 2020-2021 Offseason

• Deolis Guerra - rhp (10/14/20) - Elected free agency, signed a minor league contract with the Oakland Athletics (2/2/21).
• Trevor Kelley - rhp (10/14/20) - Elected free agency, signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs (12/14/20).
• Jose Alvarez - lhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency.
• Jake Arrieta - rhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency, signed with the Chicago Cubs (2/17/21).
• Jay Bruce - of (10/28/20) - Elected free agency, signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees (2/12/21).
• Tommy Hunter - rhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency, signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets (2/14/21).
• Brandon Workman - rhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency.
• Phil Gosselin - inf (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency, signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels (2/11/21).
• Heath Hembree - rhp (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency, singed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians (2/5/21).
• Adam Morgan - lhp (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency, signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs (2/12/21).
• Blake Parker - rhp (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency, signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians (2/16/21).
• David Phelps - rhp (10/30/20) - Club option declined, elected free agency, signed with the Toronto Blue Jays (2/11/21).
• David Robertson - rhp (10/30/20) - Club option declined, elected free agency.
• Reggie McClain - rhp (12/10/20) - Selected by the Yankees in the minor league portion of the annual rule 5 draft.
• Garrett Cleavinger - lhp (12/29/20) - Traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers with the Phillies receiving Jose Alvarado in exchange from the Tampa Bay Rays.
• Kyle Garlick - of (1/22/21) - Claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves.
• Victor Arano - rhp (1/22/21) - Claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves.
• Cole Irvin - lhp (1/30/21) - Traded to the Oakland Athletics for cash considerations.

2021 Chachi Departures #7

2021 Chachi Departures #8

2021 Chachi Departures #9

2021 Chachi Departures #10

2021 Chachi Departures #11

Coming Back - 2020-2021 Offseason

• Ronald Torreyes - inf (10/15/20) - Elected free agency, re-signed with the Phillies as a minor league free agent (1/4/21).
• J.T. Realmuto - c (10/28/20) - Elected free agency, re-signed with the Phillies (1/29/21).
• Didi Gregorius - ss (10/28/20) - Elected free agency, re-signed with the Phillies (2/10/21).

New Additions - 2020-2021 Offseason

• Johan Quezada - rhp (10/30/20) - Claimed off waivers from the Miami Marlins.
• Ian Hamilton - rhp (12/7/20) Claimed off waivers from the Seattle Mariners.
• Kyle Holder - inf (12/10/20) - Selected from the Yankees in the annual rule 5 draft.
• Jose Alvarado - lhp (12/29/20) - Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays with the Dodgers receiving Garrett Cleavinger in exchange.
• Sam Coonrod - rhp (1/9/21) - Acquired from the San Francisco Giants for Carson Ragsdale.
• Archie Bradley - rhp (1/18/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Cincinnati Reds.
• C.J. Chatham - inf (1/18/21) - Acquired from the Boston Red Sox for a player to be named later.
• Matt Moore -lhp (2/3/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks.
• Chase Anderson - rhp (2/8/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Toronto Blue Jays.
• Brad Miller - inf (2/17/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Already Gone - 2020-2021 Offseason

• Kyle Holder - inf (1/30/21) - Traded to the Cincinnati Reds for cash considerations.
• Ian Hamilton - rhp (2/5/21) - Claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Twins.
• Johan Quezada - rhp (2/10/21) - Traded to the St. Louis Cardinals for cash considerations.

Game 49 - 2020 Topps Total #194 Brandon Workman

Mets 10, Phillies 6
Game 49 - Thursday Night, September 17th in Philadelphia
Record - 24-25, 3rd Place, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies led 6-3 going into the sixth, but that lead evaporated quickly along with any good feelings caused by back-to-back-to-back home runs in the first from Bryce Harper, Alec Bohm and Didi Gregorius.

What It Means:  I sat down to write this game summary post on Friday, and I just couldn't do it.  This is the game, and it usually happens a few times a season, where afterwards I wanted to take a few days' break from the Phillies and gather my thoughts.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola didn't have his good stuff, lasting just 5 1/3 innings.  It was the usually reliable Blake Parker who entered after Nola had departed and gave up a two-run triple to Brandon Nimmo as the Mets tied the score 6-6.  Brandon Workman was brought in to try and preserve the tie in the ninth, but he allowed a lead-off home run to Nimmo followed shortly by an RBI triple to Dominic Smith.  Garrett Cleavinger, making his big league debut, replaced Workman and was greeted by a two-run home run from Robinson Cano.

Featured Card:  Workman has been dreadful, and the 2020 Phillies are in danger of possessing the worst bullpen in MLB history once this season ends.  In 11 2/3 innings over his 12 games with the Phillies, Workman has allowed 22 hits, 9 walks and 9 runs for a 6.94 ERA.  He may not ever get an actual Phillies baseball card, and at this point, that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Transaction:  Ronald Torreyes (inf) cleared waivers and was outrighted to Lehigh Valley.  Also, on Tuesday, the Phillies signed free agents Greg Bird (1b) and Jonathan Lucroy (c) as additional roster depth in case the injury bug continues to bite.

2020 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2020 Season Summary Index / 2020 Chachi Set Checklist

2020 Chachi #44 Brandon Workman

#44
Brandon Carlin Workman
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'5"  Weight:  235
Opening Day Age:  31
Born:  August 13, 1988, Arlington, TX
How Obtained:  Acquired from the Boston Red Sox with Heath Hembree, cash and a player to be named later for Nick Pivetta and Connor Seabold, August 22, 2020
Contract Status:  Signed through 2020
Major League Teams:  Boston Red Sox 2013-2014, 2017-2020; Philadelphia Phillies 2020

First Phillies Card:  N/A
First Phillies Minor League Card:  N/A
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A

Newest Card Added:  N/A

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (2):  2019-2020

0 - Workman baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 8/23/20.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2020 Chachi #44

It's a complete coincidence that Brandon Workman's uniform number and his number in this year's Chachi set are the same.

When the Phillies acquired Workman on Friday night, I reviewed his recent baseball card appearances and added his following 2020 base cards to my want list:  2020 Topps (series two), 2020 Topps Heritage and 2020 Topps Total.

Workman should hopefully help the awful Phillies bullpen, but in his Phillies debut on Saturday night he allowed a two-run double to Matt Adams, on the very first pitch he threw, allowing the Braves to take a 5-4 lead. He led the Red Sox in saves last season with 16 and was one of the best relievers in the entire American League.

Workman was originally drafted by the Phillies in 2007 in the 3rd round of the amateur player draft, but he didn't sign with the club opting to go to the University of Texas at Austin.  The picks made by the Phillies before Workman in that draft were Joe Savery (1st), Travis d'Arnaud (supplemental) and Travis Mattair (2nd).

2020 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2020 Season Summary Index / 2020 Chachi Set Checklist

Phils Add Sox Relievers for Pivetta, Top Prospect

2020 Topps Heritage #297

2019 Topps Total #175

2020 Topps Total #189

2017 Bowman Draft #BD-77

In desperate need of semi-reliable bullpen arms, the Phillies acquired Red Sox closer Brandon Workman and reliever Heath Hembree on Friday night for former starting pitcher Nick Pivetta and top pitching prospect Connor Seabold.  The Red Sox sent cash to the Phillies to cover a portion of Workman's and Hembree's remaining 2020 salaries, and a player to be named later will be coming to the Phillies eventually as well.

22 games into this shortened season and the Phillies bullpen is on pace to be one of the historically worst bullpens of all-time.  GM Matt Klentak, who failed to strengthen the weak bullpen in the offseason, needed to make a move now if the Phillies have any hope of claiming one of the 8 National League play-off spots up for grabs this year.  As of right now they're on the outside looking in, not in the playoff picture at all.

Workman was the key to the deal for the Phillies, and he could (and should) take over closer duties from Hector Neris.  As Corey Seidman Tweeted, Workman has the lowest opponents' batting average in the majors (.141) since the start of last season among pitchers with at least 75 innings pitched.  He saved 16 games for the Red Sox last year, going 10-1 with a 1.88 ERA over 73 games.  He's a free agent following the season, so this is a pure rental move by the Phillies.

Hembree, again from another Corey Seidman Tweet, has a fastball that has averaged 94.4 mph the last four seasons and only Zack Wheeler exceeds that mark among current Phillies pitchers.  Over the past seven seasons with the Red Sox, he has a 3.70 ERA over 251 games.  Hembree is under control through next season, so he already factors into the team's 2021 bullpen plans.

And for my final Corey Seidman Tweet reference, Nick Pivetta's 5.50 ERA over 396 1/3 innings pitched is the highest ERA among any Phillies pitcher with that manny innings logged since 1931.  So that's not great.  Acquired from the Nationals in 2015 for Jonathan Papelbon, Pivetta showed flashes of brilliance every once in a while, but most of his appearances ended in frustration.  He departs the Phillies with a 19-30 record over four seasons, with 92 appearances including 71 starts.

The wild card here is Connor Seabold, one of the Phillies top 25 prospects entering the season.  Seabold, a right-hander who projects as a solid middle of the rotation starter, has pitched as high as Double-A and he was a surprise addition to the team's Player Pool in July.  Like Addison Russ, traded a few hours before this deal to the Yankees, letting Seabold go could come back to haunt the Phillies.

Arrived During the 2020 Season

• David Hale (rhp) - 8/21/20, Acquired from the New York Yankees for Addison Russ (rhp).
• Brandon Workman (rhp) and Heath Hembree (rhp) - 8/21/20, Acquired from the Boston Red Sox with cash and a player to be named later for Nick Pivetta (rhp) and Connor Seabold (rhp).

Departed During the 2020 Season 

• Nick Williams (of) - 8/15/20, Selected off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds. 
• Edgar Garcia (rhp) - 8/18/20, Traded to the Tampa Bay Rays for a player to be named later.
• Nick Pivetta (rhp) - 8/21/20, Traded to the Boston Red Sox with Connor Seabold (rhp) for Brandon Workman (rhp), Heath Hembree (rhp), a player to be named later and cash.