Yankees sign ex-Rays outfielder to boost bullpen

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Brett Phillips, a former MLB outfielder, is taking a surprising turn in his baseball career by joining the New York Yankees as a pitcher. This unexpected shift was highlighted by Jon Heyman of The Post, who noted Phillips’ impressive 97 mph pitch in a semi-pro game.

The Yankees signed Phillips on Tuesday with plans to develop him within their farm system. This unconventional move offers Phillips a unique opportunity to return to the major leagues in a new role.

According to journalist Francys Romero, Phillips will start his journey through the Yankees’ minor league system as he adjusts to pitching. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that the player has been assigned to the Yankees’ Single-A affiliate in Tampa, where he will begin refining his pitching skills in a professional environment.

Phillips’ transformation and Yankees’ gamble

Phillips, a 30-year-old former MLB outfielder, is now charting a new course in his baseball career as a pitcher. Drafted by the Astros in the sixth round of the 2012 MLB Draft, he spent seven years in the majors with the Brewers, Royals, Rays, Orioles, and Angels.

As a position player, Phillips was known for his versatility, excelling in baserunning and outfield defense. He stole 39 bases and recorded an impressive 37 Outs Above Average in the outfield. His batting stats were modest, with a .187/.272/.347 slash line and 31 home runs over 971 plate appearances.

Phillips’ shift to pitching is not entirely surprising given his strong throwing arm, which averaged 91.7 mph on outfield throws, according to Statcast. Although he made five brief pitching appearances during his career, those outings were limited and resulted in a high 15.19 ERA. Now, Phillips is focused on developing his pitching skills and pursuing a new chapter in professional baseball.

During his MLB career, Phillips made a notable impact with a game-winning hit for the Rays in the 2020 World Series against the Dodgers. After a brief stint with the White Sox that ended in May, Phillips is now reinventing himself as a pitcher with the Yankees.

The Yankees are optimistic about Phillips’ potential on the mound, especially given their bullpen’s recent difficulties. Since June 1, the Yankees’ relief pitchers have struggled with a 4.35 ERA, placing them among the bottom third in the majors. The organization is hopeful that Phillips can develop into a key asset to strengthen their struggling bullpen.

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