The Phillies have added free agent third baseman Drew Ellis on a minor league deal, according to Baseball America’s transactions tracker.
The 27-year-old 100 plate appearances over a couple of seasons with the Diamondbacks and Mariners, putting together a .141/.270/.212 line with a solitary home run since his debut in 2021. A second round draft pick by the Diamondbacks in 2017, Ellis put up solid numbers coming up through the minor but broke out in a big way in 2021. That year at Triple-A, Ellis slashed .294/.399/.615 with 20 home runs over 358 plate appearances.
Unfortunately, that form hasn’t translated to the big leagues in his opportunities there, and Ellis posted far more subdued numbers in Triple-A last year, slashing .226/.355/.455 with 19 home runs. He was in camp with the Mariners this year, but was released back in March.
The bulk of his time has been spent at third base, but he has logged time at second in the big leagues (as well as first and short in the minors). At third, Ellis totaled -5 Defensive Runs Saved and -6 Outs Above Average across 182 1/3 defensive innings.
Poor Kevin Long…his list just keeps growing.
I hope they’re paying him well with all of the projects they’re giving him.
Poor guy thought that he was just the hitting coach. His new title is Project Manager…
Depth piece. Not sure behind which position(s), but AAA depth. For when the Phillies have to select Vimael Machin to fill a hole.