Phillies Express Interest in Vernon Wells

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reports that the Phillies have expressed interest in Vernon Wells.

Wells was designated for assignment by the Yankees last week and passed through waivers unclaimed, as they decided to just eat the $2.4 million they still owed the outfielder.

The team that signs him next will only pay the MLB minimum or he could elect to retire and collect $21 million that he is still owed by the Angels and Yankees.  The Angels are on the hook for $18.6 million of his 2014 salary and the Yankees will cover $2.4 million.

The 35-year-old had a disappointing season in New York after a hot start, winding up hitting .233 with 11 homers and 50 RBI over 130 games.

Since the start of the 2011 season, Wells has batted .226 in 1,249 plate appearances.