Philadelphia Phillies Players Who Must Be Let Go This Offseason

Following every major league season, each team has a select number of players either eligible for arbitration or free agency. For the Philadelphia Phillies, this is no exception. With 12 arbitration-eligible players this offseason and a handful of free agents to boot, the upcoming offseason will be one of the most transaction-heavy and intriguing in Phillies history.

As is the case with any offseason, there are certain types of moves that can be made. In the case of the arbitration-eligible player, he can be tendered a contract to return for at least one more season, or he can be non-tendered and hit the open market before hitting six years of MLB service time. Options of all sorts can also be declined, whether on the side of the player, team or both parties. Vesting options with unmet requirements can also render players free agents.

If a player is a free agent, he can be signed to a new contract or sign one with another team. Trades can also occur, as can designations for assignment, the latter of which usually happens when the 40-man roster is being trimmed down and revised before the Rule 5 Draft.

The Phillies have at least one or two players in each category listed in the above paragraph, but not all of them are definitely goners. Only a select few are virtual locks to be wearing another team’s uniform next year—or no one’s at all. Here’s the list of Phillies players who must be let go this offseason, whether by non-tendering, walking in free agency or via trade.

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