With right-handed reliever Pat Neshek already in the fold, the Phillies are set to add even more bullpen depth. That would be in the form of veteran reliever Addison Reed. Buster Olney of ESPN reports that the Phillies are closing in on a three-year deal with Reed. Jon Heyman of Fan Rag Sports countered the report stating that the Phillies have no deal with Reed.
The Phillies have not given a deal as long as three years to any pitcher since way back in 2010, when Cliff Lee signed his five-year, $120 million contract with the Phillies. But Reed, unlike many other free agent options, is still relatively young. Reed is just 28 years old.
Reed has served as closer for the 2013 Chicago White Sox, the 2014 Arizona Diamondbacks and 2017 New York Mets, so the Phillies may plan to use Reed in that role if such a deal goes through. Incumbent Phillies closer Hector Neris struggled when pitching in the ninth inning, excelling in other innings. Reed saved 40 games in 201e, 32 in 2014, and 19 games last season before being traded to the Boston Red Sox.
Reed had been particularly effective for the Mets beginning in 2015, posting an ERA of 1.17 after coming over from the Diamondbacks in a midseason trade, following that up with a 1.97 earned run average in 2016 and 2.57 before being traded to the Red Sox. After the trade, Reed pitched as a set-up man, compiling a 3.33 earned run average for the Red Sox.
The Phillies are perhaps the most aggressive team looking for relief thus far. Olney reports that the deal will be worth $9 million per season for three seasons. Stay tuned…
