The Philadephia Phillies are hoping to bring back most of their contributors from last season.
Also, they want to avoid arbitration with as many players as possible.
So the Phillies and four of their players agreed on one-year contracts for the upcoming season.
The four players that avoided arbitration are Rhys Hoskins, Edmundo Sosa, Gregory Soto, and Ranger Suarez.
Sosa will play a reserve role this upcoming season, but the other three will be steady contributors.
Hoskins will be the everyday first baseman, and his on-base skills and power will be crucial to the lineup while Bryce Harper is out.
Rhys Hoskins hits a 3 run home run and does a epic bat spike. pic.twitter.com/Cyl2mw2ADO
— Random MLB Moments (@moments_mlb) January 11, 2023
Depending on how Hoskins plays this season, could determine whether or not he gets a long-term deal with the Phillies.
Hoskins agreed to a one-year $12 million deal.
Soto and Suarez will be two of the most important left-handed pitchers on the roster this season.
Suarez will be the third starter, and Soto will most likely get the first crack at closer.
Both players should have a role with the Phillies over the next few seasons, so a long-term deal remains possible in the future.
But for 2023, Suarez will be paid $2.95 million and Soto will make $3.925 million, both deals seem team friendly.
Especially with how much those pitchers will be utilized this upcoming season.
Two players remain unsigned and are eligible for arbitration.
They are Seranthony Dominguez and Jose Alvarado.
The Phillies did not reach agreements with José Alvarado or Seranthony Domínguez today. They’ve exchanged salary figures. They could go to hearings in February, or agree at any time.
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) January 14, 2023
Both of those pitchers are crucial parts of the Phillies’ bullpen, so avoiding the uncomfortable arbitration hearings would be ideal.
Either way, both of those arms should be in the bullpen come next season it just depends on how much they will be paid to do so.
NEXT: The Top Pitching Prospect In Baseball Belongs To The Phillies