Report: Phillies have had ‘ongoing discussions’ with Addison Reed

By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly editor

The Philadelphia Phillies agreed to a two-year contract with free agent reliever Pat Neshek, but may not be finished looking to add to their bullpen in free agency. Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic reports that Philadelphia has had discussions with 28-year-old right-hander Addison Reed.

#Phillies, even after agreeing with Neshek, might not be done reinforcing their bullpen. Per sources, have had ongoing discussions with free agent Addison Reed.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 12, 2017

Reed started the 2017 season with the Mets, posting a 2.57 ERA in 49 innings of work before being dealt to the Red Sox in July. In 29 games for Boston, Reed went 1-1 with a 3.33 ERA, striking out 28 and walking just nine. Over the last two seasons combined, Reed is sporting a 2.47 ERA, so adding him to the bullpen mix would make the relief corps in Philadelphia a bit more dangerous, especially is Neshek and Hector Neris replicate their successes from 2017. 

Another plus on Reed is that he does have closing experience. He has 125 saves in 153 career opportunities. MLB Trade Rumors projects that Reed with end up with a four-year deal in the $36 million range.