 | 2024 Topps Chrome
Update #USC32 |
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 | 2024 Topps #101
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 | 2024 Topps #445
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 | 2024 Choice Jersey Shore
BlueClaws #8 |
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I'm already doing a better job keeping this blog active throughout the offseason, as the last few years it sat mostly dormant between November and February. As we get ready to celebrate Christmas and enjoy a much-needed winter break, here's a look at the Phillies news from the past month.
Hays Non-Tendered: On November 22nd, the Phillies non-tendered Austin Hays (of) making the short-timer a free agent. Hays suffered through injury and illness in his time with the Phillies, appearing in just 22 games and batting .256 with a pair of home runs. He was 0 for 4 with three strikeouts in the NLDS. Hays' first (and only?) Phillies baseball card can be found in the 2024 Topps Chrome Update set.
Romano Added to Bullpen: On December 9th, the Phillies added All-Star reliever Jordan Romano (rhp) to their bullpen, signing him to a one-year deal for $8.5 million. An All-Star with the Blue Jays in 2022 and 2023, Romano appeared in only 15 games last season following an elbow injury. He had saved 36 games each of the two seasons before that.
Rule 5 Results: The Phillies selected Mike Vasil (rhp) in the annual rule 5 draft and then almost immediately traded him to the Tampa Bay Rays for cash. In the minor league portion of the draft, the Phillies lost Eiberson Castellano (rhp), the franchise's most recent Paul Owens Award winner for minor league pitcher of the year, to the Twins. Castellano had pitched as high as Double-A Reading in 2024.
Phils Add Kepler: Seeking a corner outfield upgrade for 2025, the Phillies signed Max Kepler (off) to a one-year deal on December 20th. Besides having one of the cooler cards in the 2024 Topps set, Kepler batted .253 last season with eight home runs and 42 RBIs. He had played in 10 seasons with the Twins, enjoying a career year in 2019 when he connected for career highs in home runs (36) and RBIs (90). Kepler is expecting to receive significant playing time in left field.
Luzardo Added to the Rotation: Just when we thought the Phillies were done making major moves for the year, they announced a big trade with the Marlins the Sunday before Christmas. Jesus Luzardo (lhp) and Paul McIntosh (c-of) were acquired from Miami for minor league prospects Starlyn Caba (ss) and Emaarion Boyd (of). Luzardo joins a stacked rotation with Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suarez and Cristopher Sanchez, with Andrew Painter a possibility to join the rotation at some point over the summer. Luzardo is under team control through the 2026 season. Caba and Boyd had been ranked as the fourth and 23rd top prospects in the Phillies' system by MLB.com. Tyler Gilbert (lhp) was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Luzardo.
Ross Joins Bullpen: And one more amendment . . . On December 23rd, the Phillies signed free agent Joe Ross (rhp), who spent last season with the Brewers. Before that, Ross pitched in six seasons with the Nationals. Ross can relieve and start, but given the already crowded starting pitching rotation, I'm assuming he'll be yet another bullpen piece. To make room on the 40-man roster for Ross, Jose Cuas (rhp) was designated for assignment. Cuas had been claimed off waivers from the Blue Jays in early September.
 | 2024 Topps #123
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 | 2024 Choice Pensacola
Blue Wahoos #17 |
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 | 2023 Bowman Chrome
Prospects #BCP-164 |
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 | 2024 Topps Pro Debut #PD-2
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 | 2024 Topps Update #US135
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There have also been a flurry of minor league signings by the Phillies, but I'll wait until they issue an official list of spring training non-roster invitees before writing further about any of those new players.
Merry Christmas everyone, and here's to a healthy, happy and safe 2025. We've got this.
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