Philadelphia Phillies DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

Newly signed right-handed reliever Robert Stephenson said that he doesn't expect to fill in for closing duties in 2024, but he will if necessary. Meanwhile, general manager Perry Minasian noted that right-hander Carlos Estevez is the closer on paper, but the final decision will be made by manager Ron Washington. Estevez made his first All-Star team in 2023 with the Halos and had a career-high 31 saves in 62 1/3 relief innings, but he had an ERA approaching 4.00 and had a 6.59 ERA in the second half. The 31-year-old will probably open the 2024 regular season as the Halos' primary ninth-inning arm, but Washington could have him on a short leash early on, especially if his struggles from the second half of last year resurface. And on another Angels team that probably won't be a contender, Estevez will have shaky fantasy value at the closer position.

The Philadelphia Phillies agreed to terms on an undisclosed one-year deal with free-agent left-hander Kolby Allard on Tuesday. Allard will remain in the National League East after returning to the Atlanta Braves for the 2023 season. He only made four appearances (three starts) for the Braves and allowed nine earned runs with four walks and 13 strikeouts in 12 1/3 innings pitched at the big-league level. The 26-year-old southpaw didn't make his season debut until mid-July due to nerve inflammation in his left shoulder. Allard will give the Phillies some starting-pitching depth entering the 2024 campaign and has an option remaining, so he could open the year at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He's been pretty inconsistent in 245 career innings in the majors over six seasons, posting a 6.10 ERA (5.31 FIP) and 1.43 WHIP with 204 strikeouts and 84 walks in 69 outings (38 starts).

The Cincinnati Reds have signed left-hander Tyler Gilbert to a minor-league deal with an invite to big-league spring training. The 30-year-old appeared with the Arizona Diamondbacks in each of the last two seasons, working to a combined 4.32 ERA, 9.6% K-BB%, and 36.9% ground-ball rate in that time. Thirteen of his 28 appearances in the majors have been starts as he owns a 4.39 ERA across 67 2/3 innings as a starter and a 4.13 ERA across 24 frames out of the bullpen. However, all 11 of his MLB appearances last season came as a reliever as he posted a 5.19 ERA in 17 1/3 in the majors to pair with a 5.30 ERA across 30 outings (seven starts) with Triple-A Reno.

The Boston Red Sox claimed right-hander Max Castillo off waivers from the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday. Castillo, who debuted in the big leagues in 2022 with the Toronto Blue Jays and Royals, made seven relief appearances for the Royals in 2023 and allowed 10 earned runs on 20 hits (two homers) while walking nine and striking out 10 in 20 1/3 innings pitched. The 24-year-old will most likely begin the 2024 campaign at Triple-A Worcester and will give Boston some starting and relief depth in the minor leagues. In 21 total appearances (six starts) in his two major-league seasons, Castillo has a 5.43 ERA (5.22 FIP) and 1.37 WHIP with 24 walks and 47 strikeouts in 59 2/3 total innings pitched.