The Phillies gave John Mayberry Jr. a one-year contract worth north of $1.5 million this offseason rather than non-tendering him. The Phillies, rumored to have been shopping Mayberry all Spring, reportedly have made him "available."
Jon Heyman of CBS Sports tweeted:
john mayberry jr. said to be available. #phillies
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) March 21, 2014
The Phillies have plenty of outfield depth, even without Darin Ruf, who could miss Opening Day with a strained oblique.
The Phillies could cut Mayberry before the season begins and only be on the hook for 1/6 of his salary in 2014. If the Phillies let Mayberry open the season with the club, they will be on the hook for the full salary. So, even with Ruf on the shelf, the Phillies could temporarily carry a player with minor league options remaining, such as Cesar Hernandez, who can bat from the right side of the plate.
Mayberry has had a decent enough Spring Training. He is hitting .265 with two home runs and five RBI going into play on Friday. Mayberry probably could help a major league team. Perhaps the Phillies could get an infielder in return that will help cover the time Freddy Galvis will miss.
