4 Mets players we can suspect will sign with the Phillies

Kevin Pillar is another former Mets outfielder we could see in Philly

Kevin Pillar’s one season with the Mets was notable yet not excellent. He was an overall good signing that helped fill in when the Mets were losing a different outfielder daily. He ended up playing 124 games for the team and getting 347 plate appearances. The numbers included 15 home runs, 47 RBI, and a .231/.277/.415 slash line.

Although not terrific, the Phillies really need a center field upgrade. Pillar, as “on the decline” as he may be, is better than anything else they have.

It’s a lot different to see Pillar go from the Mets to the Phillies than it would be for Conforto. New York was a rest stop for him in the twilight of his career. Conforto never represented any other organization.

The Mets have already signed Starling Marte for center field duties, stealing away the best free agent available at the position. This was a big loss for the Phillies whose center field issues are likely to continue through at least next year as well.

As below-average as many of his numbers were in 2021, Pillar is a great fit on many teams as a fourth outfielder. A team like the Phillies would be able to provide him with more opportunities than many others. At least they are trying to win. They also have two holes in the outfield to fill.

A professional whose 2021 performance may have been hampered a bit by injuries and a bad offense around him, Pillar’s agent would be wise to consider talking to the Phillies about his client.

Another Phillies weakness is in the bullpen and Jeurys Familia can help them

In case you checked out of every Mets vs. Phillies game over the last few seasons, let me fill you in with the abridged version of what often happened. The Phillies blew a lot of games late. If you thought the Mets have had bullpen problems, you haven’t paid attention to the disaster in Philadelphia.

Given this, the Phillies are going to need to look at and consider every bullpen option available. Free agent Jeurys Familia is one guy I think could end up with them.

The former Mets closer returned to the club after the 2018 season on a three-year deal that didn’t go as planned. Familia was bad in 2019, okay in 2020, and mostly average this past season. It’s easy to part with him. He was far too shaky in round two with the ball club.

The Phillies haven’t seemed eager to actually fix their ongoing bullpen issue. Years of not having a top closer have eaten away at the win column. Before the lockout, they signed Corey Knebel to a one-year deal. Many suspect he becomes the closer.

Familia probably won’t get handed a closer job, even in Philadelphia. However, the Phillies would be smart to bring in some guys with experience. Familia has a ton of it. His 2015 and 2016 seasons were two of the best in Mets history for a reliever.

Brad Hand’s short stop with the Mets could lead to a trip to Philadelphia

A lot of the same things I said about Familia could be transferred to Brad Hand. He is also a former closer that fits in with the idea of the Phillies adding in guys with closer experience to their bullpen but with no promises of actually pitching the ninth inning.

Hand remains someone the Mets should heavily consider bringing back. As understated as his short stint was with the club, the team does need a pair of lefties for their 2022 bullpen. On a cheaper deal, he could be the number two guy with a whole lot of upside.

I have this belief that Hand will, instead, sign a one-year deal somewhere around $5-6 million to become the closer for a bad team. That organization could hope to get the most out of him for a few months before trading him at the deadline. It’s a smart move for any of the constant rebuilders to do. Even smarter would be for the Mets or Phillies to pony up the money and take a chance on Hand—as long as he is willing to not take on the closer role.

The Mets could also use this second option to close for them. Edwin Diaz is far from perfect. If things go awry with him, it’s helpful to have a guy like Hand around.

Until last season, Hand had been one of baseball’s best relief pitchers—whether in a closer role or not. Having already played for the Mets, Atlanta Braves, and Miami Marlins, could the Phillies be next?