As the MLB offseason winds down and spring training begins, the Philadelphia Phillies have quietly made several impactful additions to their roster that may have flown under the radar. With big names like Trea Turner and Taijuan Walker commanding attention, it’s easy to overlook some of the more subtle but savvy moves the team made. However, these three shrewd acquisitions could prove crucial in the Phillies’ bid to build on their success from the 2022 World Series appearance.
Here’s a closer look at three roster additions the Phillies made this offseason that you might have forgotten about — and why they could be significant contributors this season.
1. Gregory Soto – Left-Handed Relief Weapon
While the Phillies’ bullpen garnered headlines with additions like Craig Kimbrel, one signing that might have flown under the radar was the acquisition of left-handed reliever Gregory Soto from the Detroit Tigers. Soto, who came over in a trade that sent promising prospects Nick Maton, Donny Sands, and Matt Vierling to Detroit, brings power and experience to the bullpen.
Soto has an electric arm, posting a career ERA of 3.33, with a fastball that routinely touches 100 mph. While he had some struggles with command at times, his high strikeout rate and ability to induce weak contact make him a potential game-changer in high-leverage situations. In a division like the NL East, where teams like the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets boast potent lineups, having a reliable lefty to go up against hitters like Ronald Acuña Jr. or Pete Alonso is invaluable. If Soto can harness his raw stuff and be more consistent, he could become a key piece in the late innings for the Phillies.
2. Kody Clemens – A Valuable Utility Option
Another name that may have flown under the radar is Kody Clemens, who was acquired in a trade with the Detroit Tigers, along with Soto. Clemens, the son of MLB legend Roger Clemens, comes with versatility and a strong bat that could be a valuable asset off the bench for the Phillies.
Clemens, who primarily plays second base and third base, gives the Phillies depth in the infield, especially with the potential injury concerns surrounding players like Rhys Hoskins. While Clemens is still a work in progress at the plate, he’s shown flashes of power and the ability to make solid contact. A productive Clemens, capable of filling in at multiple positions, would allow the Phillies to rest their regulars more often without sacrificing too much offensively.
While Clemens may not start every day, his ability to provide flexibility and occasional power off the bench could make him a valuable player in the Phillies’ quest for another deep postseason run.
3. Tyler Glasnow – Depth to the Starting Rotation (If Healthy)
Arguably the biggest X-factor for the Phillies this offseason is their acquisition of pitcher Tyler Glasnow. The towering right-hander, who was a key part of the Tampa Bay Rays’ pitching staff before suffering injuries, was added via a trade in exchange for minor league talent. While Glasnow’s health has been a question mark in recent years, when he’s on the mound, he’s a true ace.
At his best, Glasnow is one of the most dominant pitchers in the game, with a fastball that routinely touches 99 mph and a devastating slider. His ability to generate strikeouts and limit hard contact could make him an important addition to the Phillies’ starting rotation, potentially giving them an elite trio alongside Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola. However, if Glasnow can stay healthy, he could provide the Phillies with a much-needed fourth starter in a division packed with offensive talent.
Even if Glasnow doesn’t immediately crack the starting five or requires time to ramp up, the Phillies are betting that his upside makes him worth the gamble. If the team can keep him healthy, Glasnow could become a difference-maker come September or October.
Conclusion
While much of the attention during the offseason was focused on blockbuster signings like Trea Turner and Taijuan Walker, these quieter additions could provide the Phillies with the depth and versatility they need to succeed. From the power arm of Gregory Soto to the potential of Kody Clemens’ bat and the high-upside gamble on Tyler Glasnow, these additions should not be overlooked.
If any or all of these players can contribute at a high level, the Phillies may have made some of the most shrewd offseason moves in the MLB, setting themselves up for another strong postseason run. Don’t be surprised if these under-the-radar acquisitions end up playing key roles in the Phillies’ quest for another championship.
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