Philadelphia Phillies DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed free-agent first baseman Darick Hall to a minor-league deal. Hall will give the Pirates an extra left-handed bat that can fill in at first base or as a designated hitter. The 29-year-old former 14th-round pick by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2016 out of Dallas Baptist University did not see action at all in the big leagues in 2024. Instead, he hit .236/.320/.387 with 16 home runs in 114 games at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He debuted in the majors with the Phillies in 2022 and has hit .226/.258/.442 with a .700 OPS, 10 home runs, 19 RBI and 21 runs scored in 198 plate appearances in Philly in 59 games in two seasons. Hall will most likely begin the 2025 campaign with Triple-A Indianapolis, but he'll have a much better shot to reach the big leagues again in Pittsburgh than he did in Philadelphia.

According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Philadelphia Phillies remain open to a reunion with free-agent right-handed pitcher Jeff Hoffman. Even after the Phillies acquired Jordan Romano to operate as a high-leverage option out of the bullpen, the Phillies have continued to express interest in Hoffman. Last season, Hoffman held a strong 2.17 ERA and 0.96 WHIP across 66 1/3 frames of relief. He struck out an impressive 89 batters and tallied 10 saves. Earlier this offseason, sources reported that a few clubs viewed Hoffman as a potential starting pitcher, which could increase his value on the open market. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on where the 32-year-old signs, as he could have a wide range of outcomes for the 2025 season as a starter or a reliever. If he returns to Philadelphia, he will likely operate as the setup man and could be in line to earn a high tally of holds.

The Seattle Mariners have at least had preliminary talks about acquiring All-Star third baseman Alec Bohm from the Philadelphia Phillies to fill their vacancy at the hot corner. However, Philadelphia's high asking price for Bohm has given Seattle pause. The Phillies have reportedly asked for one of the team's starters -- either Logan Gilbert or George Kirby -- in a package involving Bohm. Bohm hit .280 with 15 home runs and 97 RBI in the best season of his career in 2024, but he hit just .258 with 11 homers and 67 RBI after the first month of the season. For how much hard contact the 28-year-old right-handed slugger made, fantasy managers would have expected more power, with his playing-time volume and surrounding lineup carrying a lot of his value. While there's nothing to suggest the M's will actually trade for Bohm, a move to Seattle would be a downgrade in lineup and for the ballpark factor.

According to Francys Romero, the Seattle Mariners and relief pitcher Yunior Marte have agreed to a minor-league deal. This deal also includes an invite to spring training. Marte spent the past two seasons pitching in Philadelphia after making his debut in San Francisco in 2022. Last summer through 26 innings of work, the right-hander held a 6.92 ERA and 1.88 WHIP with an 18:25 BB:K. In Triple-A, he posted a 6.88 ERA and 2.06 WHIP. Through the summer, Marte generated a rough 6.53 xERA and a hefty 42.7% hard-hit rate. Given his struggles in 2024, Marte will likely face an uphill battle to make the Opening Day Roster, but he could earn a middle-relief role if he has a successful spring training.

The Philadelphia Phillies have spoken about third baseman Alec Bohm and outfield prospect Justin Crawford in extensive trade talks with the Chicago White Sox for left-handed starter Garrett Crochet, but the White Sox are worried about Bohm's second-half struggles in 2024 (.681 OPS with only four homers). If Philly is able to unload Bohm, they are expected to go after free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, who is considered a good fit. Another option would be to sign shortstop Willy Adames and move him to the hot corner. Adding Crochet to a starting rotation that already includes Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suarez and Cristopher Sanchez would give the Phillies one of the best rotations in all of baseball. The Phillies are intent on shaking up their lineup as well while also looking to get younger, with their best and highest-paid players in their 30s.