The Phillies continued to load up on bullpen arms Thursday as they signed a pair of relievers to minor-league deals. Both have experience as Major League closers, as the Phillies look to give themselves as many late-inning relief options as possible. Andrew Bailey, most recently with the New York Yankees, and Edward Mujica, most recently with the Oakland Athletics, signed minor-league deals with the Phillies, the team announced in a press release.
Bailey is no stranger to the Philadelphia area, having attended Paul VI High School in Haddon Township, New Jersey. Bailey was an All-Star closer for the Oakland Athletics in 2009 and 2010, and then after a decent 2011 was traded to the Boston Red Sox for outfielder Josh Reddick. Bailey battled injuries and never regained his form in two seasons with the Red Sox. After missing the 2014 season, Bailey had a cup of coffee with the New York Yankees last season, appearing in 10 games, allowing five earned runs in eight and two-thirds innings.
Mujica was pursued by the Phillies two years ago, but instead signed a two-year deal with the Boston Red Sox instead. Mujica did not perform up to expectations, pitching to a 2-4 record and 3.90 ERA in 2014 and was 1-1 with a 4.60 ERA when the Red Sox traded Mujica to the Oakland Athletics mid-season 2015. Mujica was an All-Star in 2013, when he saved 37 games for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Bailey and Mujica join former closer Ernesto Frieri and David Hernandez as potential Phillies closers in 2016. As Jerry Crasnick notes, the four have combined for 231 saves in Major League baseball. Hopefully the Phillies can make two or more work and have some trade pieces at the trade deadline.
