We looked at five former Philadelphia Phillies players who were without a contract before the 2025 MLB season earlier in January. Three of the five ex-Phillies have subsequently found a home. Closer Carlos Estévez signed with the Kansas City Royals, outfielder Austin Hays joined the Cincinnati Reds, and reliever Jeff Hoffman joined the Toronto Blue Jays. But for the time being, the hunt is still on for Whit Merrifield and Héctor Neris.
But in addition to Neris and Merrifield, a large number of other free agents haven’t been as fortunate and are still unemployed in front of the 2025 campaign, with spring training quickly approaching. Here are six additional well-known former Phillies players who are looking to sign a contract before the regular season starts.
As spring training approaches, six more former Phillies players are still unemployed.
Pivetta, Nick
Nick Pivetta became a vital member of the Phillies organization nearly ten years ago during the 2015 trade deadline when he joined the team in exchange for irate closer Jonathan Papelbon from the Washington Nationals. Beginning in 2017, Pivetta became a staple in the Phillies’ rotation as a result of more growth and development in their system. His time in Philadelphia was not without its setbacks, though, as he recorded a 19-30 record, an ERA above 5.00, and a WHIP above 1.50 in three of his four seasons there.
But after being traded out of Philadelphia to the Boston Red Sox during the 2020 season cut short by COVID, Pivetta slowly made things better. And in the process, he had at last built a strong MLB career. In just 633 innings worked, he has recorded 718 strikeouts, a solid 4.29 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and a 37-41 record with the Red Sox. Furthermore, in just 145 2/3 innings of work across 27 appearances, Pivetta recorded a 4.14 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 36 walks, and an incredible 172 strikeouts throughout his successful 2024 campaign.
Pivetta, who is only 31 years old and has produced strong stats in each of the previous seasons, will be an excellent addition to any competing club this summer, filling in at the middle to back end of the rotation. Therefore, even if he doesn’t currently have a job, it’s safe to assume that he won’t be without one for very long because it might happen at any moment.
Anderson Chase
The Phillies acquired right-handed veteran pitcher Chase Anderson to a one-year contract before spring training began in 2021, taking a risk on him in an attempt to provide pitching depth to their rotation. It was rather surprising to Phillies fans, considering that he had just finished his worst big league season in 2020, with a miserable 7.22 ERA and 1.63 WHIP while allowing 27 earned runs, including 11 home runs, in 33 2/3 innings thrown over 10 games with the Toronto Blue Jays.
He would go on to have a lackluster 2021 season with the Phillies, thus they should have taken those warning flags into account. With a gaudy 6.75 ERA and 1.48 WHIP, Anderson recorded a 2-4 record in 14 games, including nine starts, while allowing an incredible 36 earned runs in just 48 innings of work. Things went so bad that he was finally designated for assignment and removed from the club toward the close of the season.
Since then, Anderson has seen significant transformation. He pitched mostly as a reliever for the Texas Rangers and Red Sox last season. With three saves, a 5.40 ERA, and a 1.30 WHIP, he recorded a 0–2 record. Anderson may find it difficult to get a major league contract at the age of 37. The fact that he is still somewhat competent as a starter and a reliever, however, is one of his advantages. As a result, any organization seeking that adaptability may give him another chance.
Gibson, Kyle
When the Phillies called to enhance their rotation in 2021, Kyle Gibson was in the middle of his best-ever Major League Baseball season with the Rangers. Before being acquired by Philadelphia at the trade deadline, Gibson had a solid 6-3 record, 2.87 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 94 strikeouts in 113 innings across 19 starts with the Rangers.
During his brief one-and-a-half-year stay with the Phillies, Gibson was, fortunately for the team, a shadow of his former self. He recorded a 14-14 record in 43 games, 42 of which were starts, with a mediocre 5.06 ERA and 1.32 WHIP. He also recorded 205 strikeouts and 71 walks in 236 2/3 innings pitched. Gibson was barely making it as the Phillies’ back-of-the-rotation starter with those stats. After the 2022 Major League Baseball season, they finally let him go.
With an 8-8 record, 4.24 ERA, and 1.35 WHIP in 2024, Gibson had a decent season with the St. Louis Cardinals. He could be searching for that one more contract to carry him into retirement at the age of 37. Gibson ought to have one last chance for a squad that would appreciate his depth of knowledge and seasoned leadership.
Leave a Reply