The Philadelphia Phillies are looking stronger than ever with the upcoming 2019 season. With many changes to the roster, the 11 year drought could potentially be over.
The Phillies have added many new players to their roster, while they also traded a couple players. Young prospect shortstop, J.P Crawford and first basemen, Carlos Santana were involved in a trade in December for contact heavy shortstop Jean Segura, Right-Handed Pitcher Juan Nicasio and Left-Handed Pitcher James Pazos.
Pazos will help the Phillies’ bullpen in late game situations. As they already have Seranthony Dominguez, Pat Neshek and Hector Norris, this just adds more depth to the bullpen. They also signed Right-Handed Pitcher David Robertson, who is another addition to the bullpen. Robertson was with the New York Yankees before reaching free agency this offseason. He posted an 8-3 record with a 3.23 ERA in 69.2 innings pitched.
With the addition of left fielder, Andrew McCutchen, he adds a valuable piece to the Phillies’ lineup. McCutchen will help the Phillies in a tremendous way by adding a valuable bat to the lineup. With trading Santana, Rhys Hoskins will be back at first base where he felt most comfortable last season rather than left field.
One of the biggest trades of the offseason was for catcher, J.T. Realmuto. Realmuto was traded to the Phillies for catcher Jorge Alfaro, Right-Handed Pitcher top prospect for the Phillies Sixto Sanchez, Left-Handed Pitcher Will Stewart and future considerations. Realmuto, arguably one the best catchers in the game if the best, will provide a huge bat and defense for the Phillies this season.
The biggest free agent of the offseason was signed by the Phillies this past week. Bryce Harper, outfielder, signed with the Phillies to a 13 year, 330 million dollar contract. This includes a no trade clause and no opt outs. Harper told his agent Scott Boras that he didn’t want any and wanted to stay with a team for a long time.
Since then, Harper has broke the record for sold jerseys over any sport of any athlete within 24 hours of signing. Harper is expected to play this weekend whether it be Saturday or Monday’s game. This offseason has been the best one in history of the Phillies as they signed 4 previous all stars. The upcoming season will definitely be fun to watch, but hopefully we are still watching in October.
