Phillies news and rumors 2/7: Team reportedly still scouring bullpen market

Pitchers and catchers report to Clearwater in one week and the Phillies offseason is still incomplete.

The team is still looking for bullpen help, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman on a recent Bleacher Report live stream. The Phillies did make a 40-man acquisition on Tuesday, trading for recently DFA’d reliever Michael Rucker in exchange for cash considerations. Andrew Bellatti was designated for assignment to make room on the roster.

But if the Phillies are looking to make a bigger splash in the bullpen, they are running out of time.

The best options on the market are quickly falling off the board. Jordan Hicks got $44 million over four years and a chance to start with the Giants. Jakob Junis signed for $7 million guaranteed with the Brewers and was also given a chance to start. Robert Stephenson signed for three years and $33 million with the Angels. Phil Maton signed with the Rays for $6.5 million with a club option. The Phillies have been connected to all four pitchers this offseason.

With five set starters already in the rotation, the Phillies can’t compete with teams that can offer relievers a chance to start. They should, however, be competitive with offer terms and as their options on the free agent market continue to dwindle, it reinforces the idea that the team is content with letting things play out and searching for bargains.

Whether it’s a good plan or not remains to be seen.

Must-read (or watch) Phillies content

• Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski joined the WIP Morning Show on Wednesday. Here’s a takeaway that’s relative to what was discussed above:

One interesting thing from Dombrowski on WIP: The Phillies were in on two relievers, but one was given a chance to start (likely Jakob Junis) and one wanted to be closer to home on the west coast (likely Robert Stephenson).

— Destiny Lugardo (@destiny_lugardo) February 7, 2024

• Nathan Ackerman has the story on the Rucker acquisition.
• Matt Gelb of The Athletic published his annual list of thoughts on every pitcher in camp.

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