The Phillies announced that infielder/outfielder Dylan Moore has cleared waivers and been outrighted to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He was designated for assignment a week ago. He has the right to elect free agency though the Phils didn’t indicate whether or not he will exercise that right.
Moore, 33, signed a minor league deal with the Phils in the offseason. That deal would have paid him $1.85MM if the Phils called him up but Moore triggered an opt-out and then signed a big league pact with a $1.45MM salary. The latter deal had four bonuses worth $100K for 100, 200, 300 and 400 plate appearances, giving him a path to get back to the figure on his first deal.
Ultimately, he didn’t get there. He started the season in a utility role but didn’t get a hit in 15 plate appearances. He did draw three walks but also struck out six times. The Phils cut him loose a week ago when J.T. Realmuto came off the injured list, allowing them to keep Rafael Marchán and Garrett Stubbs in a three-catcher setup with Félix Reyes and Edmundo Sosa in the other bench spots.
Moore is certainly capable of being a solid multi-positional guy. From 2020 to 2024, he hit 43 home runs for the Mariners in 1,397 plate appearances. His batting average was usually low but he made up for that with strong walk rates and some pop. He slashed .206/.319/.383 for a 105 wRC+ in that span while stealing 93 bases and moving all around the diamond, playing everywhere except catcher.
His numbers dipped a bit last year, as he slashed .201/.267/.374 between the Mariners and Rangers. As mentioned, he didn’t get off to a good start this year. As a veteran with at least five years of big league service time, he can elect free agency without forfeiting any of the money on his contract. He could therefore look for other opportunities elsewhere, leaving the Phillies on the hook for the salary.
If someone else signs him, they would only have to pay him the prorated portion of the league minimum for any time spent on the roster. That amount would be subtracted from what the Phillies owe. 29 teams just passed on grabbing him from waivers, but that would have meant taking on the contract and the money owed to Moore. If he elects free agency now, the financial arrangement would be different and could be more enticing for clubs.
Photo courtesy of Kyle Ross, Imagn Images
They left out pitcher on his description he is a plenty capable middle reliever with a 5.40 ERA. Some are calling him the next Erick Mejia.
Why would the Phils need him asva pitcher when we have Garrett Stubbs?
he can join casty & walker & Didi & many others collecting P check. it is part of the game