FEBRUARY 12: It’s a big-league pact, per MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki (via Twitter). It seems everything checked out in the medicals, as Hunter is said to be in uniform and ready to roll. The club has bumped David Robertson to the 60-day injured list to create roster space.
Hunter will be promised $850K in the deal, Jon Heyman of MLB Network tweets. There’s also a $1.3MM incentives package.
FEBRUARY 8: The Phillies have reached an agreement to sign free-agent right-hander Tommy Hunter, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. There’s no indication yet whether it’s a Major League deal.
The 33-year-old Hunter is coming off a disappointing season in which he was limited to just 5 MLB appearances, thanks to a right forearm strain that forced him to make two stints on the 60-day injured list. In the 5 1/3 innings he was able to throw, he was effective and didn’t give up a run.
It would’ve been the second year of the two-year, $18MM deal Hunter earned prior to the 2018 season. In his only full season with the Phillies, he worked 64 innings and recorded a 3.80 ERA while striking out 51 batters. He took a step back from the impressive 2017 season that he rode into free agency, but was nonetheless a serviceable bullpen contributor.
We’ll see how quickly he can rebound from the forearm injury and return to form, but if and when that happens, there could be a spot on the Philly active roster waiting for him. The Philadelphia bullpen ranked in the bottom third of baseball last year, and while there haven’t been any major additions, Seranthony Dominguez should once again be ready to contribute after missing the majority of the 2018 season. Hunter, meanwhile, should have a chance to supplant Ranger Suarez or Deolis Guerra for a spot to round out the ’pen.
good get. familiar arm and could rebound with a healthy year.
They are smart to keep adding to that BP depth.
Tommy Hunter sounds like a show on Fox where Rob Lowe plays a quirky safari guide
I think you’re saying that because of Tommy Boy
I’d watch that!
The Tommy Hunter Show – Canadians know.
Wander…..let me wander.
I’d pay Tommy hunter $80000 a year to have him on my team
He’s better then trout and Betts
Do you have a pulse? Good you’re coming Phillies camp
Great clubhouse guy. Can be a very useful pen piece when healthy.
If he’s right, good get for a pen needing something. If he’s not right….the question is WHY? I don’t want to see him in Lehigh for long…
They paid all that money for him to do nothing for two years so they might as well bring him back on the cheap and see if he can provide value on a minor league deal, while pitching for his next contract.
Might as well bring back Neshek too.
I agree. Try them out. Can never have too many pen arms in camp/in the minors. Just look at what happened last year.
Seranthony Dominguez did not miss the majority of the 2018 season. He did, however, miss the majority of the 2019 season.
I had a fantasy team named Tommy MilfHunter.
You stay classy, Francis.
Good for the Phillies he was the second-best reliever in2018 beside Sir Anthony so its good to see him back possibly on a major leag deal
Good for the Phillies he was the second-best reliever in2018 beside Sir Anthony so its good to see him back possibly on a major leag deal
Good for the Phillies he was the second-best reliever in2018 beside Sir Anthony so its good to see him back possibly on a major leag deal
Good for the Phillies he was the second-best reliever in2018 beside Sir Anthony so its good to see him back possibly on a major leag deal
Gee, you can say that again
And again, and again, and again…………..
Who cares?
Thanks BP, that’s the first sensible remark I’ve read about this signing….Nothing quite like throwing good money after bad…
I just drew February 9 in the “Tommy Hunter goes on the Injured List with a fill in the blank “ pool….Jackpot!!!!!
You must be so proud. Did you draw it with the crayons mommy bought you.
Phillies need a stronger 4-5 pitcher
Tommy Hunter is still Pitching ? The dude is just about as old as catfish hunter isn’t he ?
Probably closer to his Mustache’s age.
Go Cubs Go
No Cubs No
Phillies bench and pen are being built to resemble the walking wounded and malingerers dogging it in the sick hut in Bridge on the River Kwai……..Joe G. is playing the role of Col. Nicholson and spurring the men on to help finish out the roster…….a bit of fresh air and all…..
Come again?
Watch the movie……..
No thanks
Has he lost any weight?
He looks like he hasn’t missed a meal since he was a kid.
Considering he’s been on the shelf for the better part of a year, I’d say no and that he’s likely doubled in size.
That would be nice if Tommy can lock down the 7th inning with Seranthony and Neris holding down the 8th. I like our lefty depth with Adam Morgan, Jose Alvarez, Ranger Suarez and Francisco Liriano. I have a strong feeling Vince Velasquez will be handling closing duties.
Another fat over the hill re- signing. As long as it isn’t a multi-year contract I hope it works out.
Please NO MORE NESHAK !
Can’t wait for those three magical weeks in June to see Tommy Hunter perform.