Philadelphia Phillies DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Jeff Hoffman (shoulder) failed two physicals due to concerns with his right shoulder with the Atlanta Braves and Baltimore Orioles this offseason before eventually signing with the Toronto Blue Jays, according to a source. Both the Braves and Orioles had deals in place with Hoffman before he failed physicals with their medical staffs, with the O's having a three-year, $40 million deal set with Hoffman. The 32-year-old has been healthy since 2021, but he has gone on the injured list twice in his career with shoulder-related issues. Despite the physical concerns, the Blue Jays signed him to a three-year, $33 million deal, which means he's expected to serve as their closer in 2025, with Yimi Garcia and Chad Green serving as setup men. Given the concerns about his shoulder and the fact Hoffman only has 12 career saves in nine seasons, he'll be a shaky closing option for fantasy managers.

According to Jon Heyman, the Cincinnati Reds have expressed interest in right-handed pitcher Carlos Estevez. Heyman noted that the Blue Jays are also among the interested suitors. Last season, the 32-year-old spent time with the Angels and the Phillies. Across 55 innings pitched, the reliever held a 2.45 ERA and 0.91 WHIP. He tallied 26 saves. Under the hood, he generated a high 42.3% hard-hit rate and 10.1% barrel rate, which suggests he may be due for some regression in 2025. However, he did show elite command with a 5.7% walk rate. If Estevez were to agree to a contract with Cincinnati, he would likely compete for save opportunities with Alexis Diaz, who posted a high 3.99 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP in 2024.

Infielder Edmundo Sosa and the Philadelphia Phillies settled on a one-year, $3.0 million deal on Thursday to avoid salary arbitration, according to a source. Sosa will return to the Phillies in 2025 once again as utility infield depth for one of the strongest rosters in baseball. It means the 28-year-old will mainly be an option for fantasy managers in NL-only formats. The 28-year-old hit .257/.313/.422 with a .734 OPS, seven home runs, 31 RBI, a career-high seven stolen bases and 39 runs scored in 90 games played in 2024 in his second year in Philadelphia. At best, he's a league-average hitter as a utility infielder. Sosa is most valuable in real life as insurance at third base, second base and shortstop for the Phils. He has a modest power and speed profile but strikes out frequently due to poor plate discipline. His multi-position eligibility makes him more attractive as a reserve in deeper fantasy leagues.

According to Robert Murray of FanSided.com, the Toronto Blue Jays have signed right-handed pitcher Jeff Hoffman to a three-year contract worth $33 million. Hoffman enjoyed a strong campaign in Philadelphia last summer as he posted a 2.17 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP across 66 1/3 innings of work. He tallied ten saves and 21 holds while being deployed as a high-leverage option out of the bullpen. Under the hood, the East Carolina product generated a 2.87 xERA and a .202 xBA which were both within the 90th percentile. In addition, Hoffman's 33.6% K rate and 35.3% whiff rate were significantly above the average marks. Earlier this offseason, the Athletic reported that several clubs viewed Hoffman as a potential starter. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during spring training. If he were to continue to operate as a reliever, he would compete for save opportunities with Chad Green.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Philadelphia Phillies and outfielder Brandon Marsh have settled on a $3 million contract to avoid arbitration. The 27-year-old operated as an everyday outfielder for the Phillies in 2024 and should be expected to retain that role in 2025. Last season, Marsh held a .249/.328/.419 slash line with 16 home runs and 19 stolen bases. His 60 RBI matched a career-high. Under the hood, he generated a strong 47.4% hard-hit and 10.0% barrel rates, placing him in the 83rd and 68th percentile, respectively. While he posted a hefty 32.4% K rate, he was still able to draw walks at a solid 10.5% mark, which was above average. Given his ability to hit for power and swipe double-digit bags, Marsh remains a viable target in deeper five-outfielder leagues as long as he continues to have an everyday spot in the starting nine.