Among many "Smooth" jokes from Philadelphia-area fans, the Phillies formally announced that they have signed first baseman Carlos Santana to a three year deal. The deal is reportedly worth $59.5 million over three years with a $17.5 club option for year four. Santana will be introduced at a press conference at CItizens Bank Park at 12:00 p.m.
Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer compared Statcast spray charts showing balls hit by Santana at Progressive Field in Cleveland to Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
Carlos Santana’s home batted balls in 2017, plotted first at Progressive Field then Citizens Bank Park: pic.twitter.com/TBDDzWrJ63
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) December 20, 2017
According to these charts, another 10 of Santana's batted balls would clear the fence at Citizens Bank Park.
The Phillies roster now stands at 39 players. However, the Phillies have yet to announce a deal with reliever Tommy Hunter, who reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with the Phillies. That would give the Phillies a full roster.
Thigns do not look good for first baseman Tommy Joseph, who is now an extra piece on a team with plenty of first base options. The Phillies could use Rhys Hoskins as a backup at first base in addition to the likes of Andrew Knapp and Jorge Alfaro, who each started a game at first basein 2017 and might both be looking for at bats elsewhere if the team carries three catchers.
