ThePhilly Phillies signed an undisclosed deal to help their bullpen. Philadelphia Phillies The Philadelphia Phillies took steps Monday to help their bullpen for the 2024 MLB season.
According to MLB Trade Rumors, the Phillies have signed right-hander Jose Ruiz to a minor league contract and invited him to MLB spring training. Ruiz was with the Chicago White Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks last season. In 44.1 innings in 2023, Ruiz posted a 5.89 ERA, with most of his accomplishments coming with the Diamondbacks.
In his seven-year MLB career, the 29-year-old posted a 4.51 ERA and 1.486 WHIP in 219.1 innings. Ruiz is best known for his 96+ mph fastball. Ruiz is a no-risk, full-pay contract. If Ruiz takes spring training, the Phillies will have another right-hander who can work in the bullpen. If he doesn’t, it’s easy to let him go.
However, if he is placed on the active roster, he will likely clear waivers before being sent back to the minors, as he is out of options at this point in his career. This is the kind of move that can improve a team’s margins without spending a lot of money.
This is exactly the kind of move Phillies president of baseball Dave Dombrowski likes. Philly remains the team to watch this winter, even after signing Aaron Nola to a new seven-year, $72 million contract.
