Phillies Make Bold Roster Moves, Paving the Way for New Talent and Offseason Flexibility.
Philadelphia, PA – In a series of roster maneuvers designed to create flexibility ahead of the 2024 offseason, the
Philadelphia Phillies made headlines on Monday by clearing five spots on their 40-man roster. The team outrighted
right-handers Yunior Marte, Luis Ortiz, and Freddy Tarnok, lefty Kolby Allard, and infielder Rodolfo Castro. All five
players passed through waivers unclaimed and have elected free agency, with Allard notably avoiding arbitration
eligibility, a move that could make him more enticing to other clubs.
In a swift response to these departures, the Phillies filled three of the newly opened roster spots by adding a trio of
right-handed pitchers. **Devin Sweet**, acquired from the Detroit Tigers in a cash deal, **John McMillon**,
claimed off waivers from the Miami Marlins, and **Alan Rangel**, who had his contract selected after joining the
organization on a minor-league deal last July.
Sweet, 28, is the most intriguing of the new additions, bringing a high strikeout rate and potential in high-leverage
situations. Despite a rocky 2023 in the majors with Seattle and Oakland, his 111 strikeouts in 76 innings for Triple-A
Toledo this past season show a raw, swing-and-miss arsenal that could prove valuable. McMillon, 26, posted an
impressive 1.69 ERA in 16 innings across two seasons with the Royals and Marlins, though his appearances have
largely been in low-pressure situations. Meanwhile, Rangel, 27, showed solid strikeout numbers in his brief time
with the Phillies’ Triple-A affiliate, Lehigh Valley, though his ERA suggests room for improvement.
The flurry of moves leaves the Phillies with 37 players on their 40-man roster, providing ample space for potential
acquisitions or Rule 5 draft protections in the coming weeks. With the **November 19 deadline** looming to protect
Rule 5-eligible players, the team is expected to make additional moves, with top prospects like **Mick Abel** and
**Moises Chace** likely to be added soon. Abel, the 2020 first-round pick, remains a project with control issues but
continues to be one of the organization’s most prized arms. Chace, acquired from Baltimore at the trade deadline,
impressed with 124 strikeouts in just 80⅓ innings between Single-A and Double-A last season.
Adding to the intrigue, the Phillies opted not to extend qualifying offers to two of their free agents, **Jeff Hoffman**
and **Spencer Turnbull**. With this year’s qualifying offer set at $21.05 million, it’s a practical decision for a team
looking to maximize flexibility. Hoffman has been a steady bullpen presence, and while the team has expressed
interest in keeping him, they may pursue other avenues to bolster the bullpen. Meanwhile, the door remains open for
Carlos Estévez, who is ineligible for a qualifying offer after joining the Phillies late in the season.
As the offseason heats up, these moves give the Phillies significant room to maneuver. With the organization
continuing to focus on reinforcing its pitching staff and protecting top prospects, expect more moves as they look to
solidify their roster for the 2025 season.
