With the World Series complete, the offseason began for the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday. The Phillies announced that they hired veteran pitching coach Bryan Price on Thursday. But several transactions hit the wire as the 2019 – 2020 offseason begins.
The suspension for outfielder Odubel Herrera has ended. The outfielder was reinstated to the Phillies roster on Thursday, having served the suspension he was assigned under major league baseball and the players association's joint domestic violence policy. Criminal charges against Herrera were dropped this summer, but the league determined a suspension was appropriate.
Herrera had been on administrative leave or suspension since Memorial Day.
The Phillies may or may not retain Herrera, based upon a number of factors. Any move that resembles punishment is frowned upon by the league. However, the Phillies might make a move for baseball reasons.
Eight Phillies declared free agency on Thursday. They are:
- Pitcher Drew Smyly
- Reliever Juan Nicasio
- Reliever Tommy Hunter
- Reliever Nick Vincent
- Infielder Sean Rodriguez
- Infielder Brad Miller
- First baseman Logan Morrison
- Outfielder Corey Dickerson
The Phillies may have interest in retaining some of these players.
The Phillies must get their roster down to 40 by Monday, including players currently on the injured list. Pat Neshek is expected to have his option declined, as Jon Heyman of MLB Network reported yesterday. The Phillies have options on Jason Vargas and Jared Hughes they could exercise or decline.
The Phillies added reliever Robert Stock in a waiver claim from the San Diego Padres. That leaves 44 players on the roster. Candidates for release or to be outrighted include bench players Jose Pirela and Phil Gosselin, and relievers Enyel De Los Santos and Edubray Ramos.
