Philadelphia Phillies DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

The Toronto Blue Jays are among a half dozen teams that are interested in free-agent closer Carlos Estevez, according to the New York Post's Jon Heyman. After letting former closer Jordan Romano walk into free agency after an injury-plagued season in 2024, the Jays could be looking to replace him with Estevez at the back of their bullpen. The Jays need to do something to help improve their team this offseason after a disappointing finish last year. The 32-year-old Estevez began last year with the Los Angeles Angels before being acquired at the trade deadline by the Philadelphia Phillies. He was a first-time All-Star in 2023 with the Halos and had a combined 2.45 ERA (3.24 FIP), 26 saves, a 0.91 WHIP and 50:12 K:BB in 55 relief innings in 2024. Estevez didn't see as many save chances with the Phils, but his improved walk rate is a good sign going forward. Depending on where he lands, he could have a shot to top 30 saves for the second time in his career.

Free-agent pitcher Jeff Hoffman is reportedly seeking a deal in the range that fellow reliever Clay Holmes signed earlier this offseason. Holmes signed with the New York Mets on a three-year deal worth $38 million. Hoffman is hopeful to get a similar deal after posting back-to-back solid seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies. Holmes signed with the Mets in hopes of transitioning to the starting rotation. It's possibly that Hoffman wants to make a similar move considering he began his career as a starting pitcher with the Colorado Rockies. There doesn't seem to be a ton of interest in Hoffman right now, but they'll likely change once Roki Sasaki signs somewhere.

According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Philadelphia Phillies could seek a trade partner for infielder Kody Clemens. According to Gelb, the Phillies have several infield left-handed bats which could make it difficult for Clemens to make the roster. Gelb further noted that if Clemens has a successful camp he could be put on the trade block. This means that Weston Wilson and Buddy Kennedy would have a more favorable chance to break the Opening Day roster. Last summer, Clemens held a .219/.258/.447 line with five home runs and nine doubles across 44 games. The 28-year-old holds a career .200/.246/.373 line across three major league seasons. Even if Clemens does make the Opening Day roster, he should not be on your fantasy radar given his lack of stable success in the majors.

The Chicago White Sox acquired left-hander Tyler Gilbert from the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday in exchange for minor-league right-hander Aaron Combs. Gilbert had been designated for assignment by the Phillies on Dec. 22. Gilbert will head to the American League in 2025 after appearing only six times out of the Phillies' bullpen in 2024. In his 8 1/3 innings pitched, he allowed three earned runs on 10 hits (one homer) while walking two and striking out four. The 31-year-old former sixth-round selection by the Phillies in 2015 out of the University of Southern California (USC) debuted in the bigs with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2021 and holds a career 4.23 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in 100 innings over 34 outings (13 starts) in his four seasons. Gilbert will give the rebuilding White Sox a swing arm in 2025, but he won't be on the fantasy radar at all.

According to Aram Leighton of Just Baseball Media, the Miami Marlins have signed right-handed pitcher Freddy Tarnok to a contract that includes an invite to Spring Training. The 26-year-old has logged only 15 1/3 career inning in the major leagues. Across this small stint, he has held a 4.70 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP. Through 92 1/3 innings at the Triple-A level, the right-hander held a 4.68 ERA and a 1.41 WHIP with a 48:94 BB:K ratio. The former third-round pick split time with the bullpen and the rotation through the minor leagues but was deployed primarily as a reliever in the majors. Tarnok will compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster but will face an uphill battle given his lack of experience and success in the major leagues.