Today the Phillies outrighted LHP Joely Rodriguez to AAA. Last week they lost Nefi Ogando on waivers to the Marlins. I have been guilty of getting upset about these moves while Severino Gonzalez, Colton Murray, and a host of others take up roster spots. It is understandable to see players come off the roster in the “wrong” order, but while it may seem wrong, the giant purge of the 40 man roster is coming. The Phillies’ 40 man roster right now stands at 37, and they will definitely add a Rule 5 pick and almost assuredly carry them on the roster all year. But here is why we shouldn’t worry. All those marginal players are going to be gone soon anyway. Here all the players off the 40 man roster projected to make their MLB debuts during the 2016 season:
- J.P. Crawford
- Nick Williams
- Andrew Knapp
- Jake Thompson
- Zach Eflin
- Tim Windle
To add to that list, here are the additional top prospects who will be Rule 5 eligible after next year (some of who might make their debuts in 2016 as well).
- Carlos Tocci (2015 Rule 5 eligible)
- Alberto Tirado (2015 Rule 5 eligible)
- Ben Lively
- Malquin Canelo
- Jesmuel Valentin
- Jose Pujols
- Deivi Grullon
- Ricardo Pinto
- Elniery Garcia
- Nick Pivetta
- Jairo Munoz
That is 6 spots at minimum they will need to clear during the season and another 11 or so that might need to be cleared by the end of the 2016 season. There may be some trades and some steps back. There might also be breakouts from outside this group with names like Yacksel Rios and Cam Perkins having MLB skills.
So don’t despair now, for the great purge is coming and it will not be satisfied by merely eating the spots of the departing aged.