Phillies Sign Outfielder Matt Joyce

The Phillies were busy on Wednesday, adding free agent reliever Brandon Kintzler on a one-year deal.  But they did not stop there.  The Phillies added another veteran, this time someone who could help from the bench and in the outfield.

In a conference with reporters, including Matt Gelb of the Athletic, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski announced that the Phillies have come to terms with left-handed hitting outfielder Matt Joyce.   The deal is a minor league deal and Joyce would compete for a bench bat in Spring Training.

Joyce spent 2019 with the Atlanta Braves and 2020 with the Miami Marlins.  A bench player, Joyce played in approximately 2/3 of each team's games.  Joyce batted ..295 in 2019 and .252 in 2020.

The Phillies are down a left-handed bench bat with Jay Bruce becoming a free agent.  Joyce likely will be looking to spell Andrew McCutchen in left field.  As of now there is no designated hitter, so for now, should Joyce make the team, he likely will see some at bats in left field against right-handed pitching when McCutchen is off.

Joyce is not likely to be considered an option in center field.

Yesterday, former Phillies bench bat Phil Gosselin signed with the Los Angeles Angels.  Ronald Torreyes is back on a minor league deal to compete for a backup spot in the Phillies infield, and the Phillies have two of Scott Kingery, Adam Haseley and Roman Quinn for the bench when they are not playing center field.