The Philadelphia Phillies are in the market for more bullpen and even starting rotation help this offseason. But, with needs at catcher and a few other spots, they aren't expected to spend big.
They've already added a few veteran options to the pitching staff, and more moves are expected to come, especially in the one-year free agent variety.
Will Sammon of The Athletic reports that the Phillies have added such a player, in a former Atlanta Braves lefty who's coming off a strong 2025 season in the KBO.
Phillies sign ex-Braves lefty after strong KBO season
"Left-hander Tucker Davidson and the Phillies are in agreement on a minors deal, league sources said," Sammon reports. "While pitching in the KBO last season, Davidson had 3.65 ERA (22 starts, 123 1/3 innings)."
This is a quality depth signing by the Phillies, as they're taking a chance on a former Major League pitcher who had a solid year in the KBO.
It's a minor league deal for Tucker Davidson, and won't cost the Phillies much to bring him in. He's not taking up a 40-man roster spot and will be a Spring Training body who could get a chance to prove he's worth being on the MLB roster.
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While his KBO season was a strong one, with a 3.65 ERA over 22 starts, his prior MLB experience left a lot to be desired.
The 29-year-old made his MLB debut with the Braves in 2020, and over the next two and a half seasons, he pitched in nine games for the Braves, recording a 5.11 ERA in the process.
With the Los Angeles Angels, he had a 6.72 ERA in 26 games, and with the Kansas City Royals, he had a 5.03 ERA in 20 games. But, in 2024, he made one appearance for the Baltimore Orioles, throwing 4.2 innings of scoreless baseball.
He's coming to the Phillies as an inexpensive depth signing. He's a quality pickup if it works out, and if not, it was a low-risk move for Dombrowski and the Phillies.
More Phillies news:
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- Phillies' free agent rumor is bad news for top remaining free agents
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- Phillies to sign former Reds, Orioles catcher to free agent deal
- Phillies sign former Cardinals, Blue Jays 6'2'' lefty reliever