Report: Phillies ‘Actively Looking at Free-Agent Pitchers’

As the Phillies inch closer to the start of spring training workouts, they continue to add pitching to their roster.

On Wednesday the team added veteran right handed pitcher Chase Anderson, and made their signing of lefty Matt Moore official.

But they may not be done.

According to Mark Feinsand of the MLB Network, the Phillies are actively looking at free-agent pitchers, with guys like James Paxton, Jake Odorizzi and Taijuan Walker potential targets.

Paxton had a rough 2020 season, dealing with elbow trouble, making just five starts. He Paxton ended the season going 1-1 with an 6.64 ERA in 20.1 innings pitched.

Walker on the other hand had a solid 2020 season going 4-3 with a 2.70 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 50 strikeouts in 53 1/3 innings. The 28-year old has dealt with injury issues in the past, but was injury free in 2020.

Finally there is Odorizzi, 30, who pitched in just four games last season with Minnesota after having a solid 2019 season where he made 30 starts. Last year he had a 6.59 ERA in just 13.2 innings pitched.

The Phillies could be looking to dangle a one-year deal to one of these guys to compete for a spot in their starting rotation.

That rotation is top heavy with Arton Nola and Zack Wheeler holding down the No. 1 and 3 spots.  Zach Eflin is likely penciled in for the No. 3 spot, but behind him is seemingly up for grabs with guys like Spencer Howard, Vince Velazquez, Moore and Anderson battling it out.

Of the three guys mention, Paxton might have the most upside, Walker might have the best stuff, while Odorizzi might be the cheapest option.