Philadelphia Phillies Acquire Former Yankees Pitcher

The Philadelphia Phillies are looking for pitching depth in all forms this offseason, and they just scooped up a long-time veteran in the process.

The Phillies have signed right-hander Geoff Hartlieb to a minor-league contract, via the MiLB transaction log, and have assigned him to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Hartlieb made 18 relief appearances for the Athletics this past year, logging a 4.82 ERA and 1.571 WHIP over 28 innings of work. He allowed just one home run, but the 14 walks were certainly alarming.

The 32-year-old originally entered the big leagues with the Pittsburgh Pirates back in 2019 and has pitched for seven teams overall.

When he initially joined the majors, Hartlieb showed some potential as a strikeout artist, racking up 38 punchouts over 35 innings during his debut campaign with the Pirates. However, he posted a 9.00 ERA in the process.

Hartlieb has also spent time with the New York Mets, Miami Marlins, Colorado Rockies, New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers. He owns a lifetime 7.16 ERA and 1.861 WHIP across 86 relief appearances.

Clearly, Hartlieb is not the type of pitcher you would expect would make an impact for the Phillies next season, as his numbers are hideous. But perhaps Philadelphia sees something in him and thinks it could turn the righty around.

Philadelphia is in dire need of bullpen assistance. Late this past season, Alex McFarlane and Jhoan Duran represented the only relievers with whom Don Mattingly could feel comfortable.

The Phillies are expected to make some significant additions to their pen this winter, and left-hander Adrian Morejon could be at the top of their list. However, the San Diego Padres' decision to extend a qualifying offer to Morejon certainly complicated that situation for Philadelphia.

Another potential option is Alex Vesia, who has been a lynchpin in the Los Angeles Dodgers' bullpen for years and is also a free agent. Jonathan Loaisiga has also been pitched as a possible target for the Phils.

Additionally, the Phillies are looking to add starting pitching depth.

Cristopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzardo and Zack Wheeler comprise a dynamic trio at the top of the rotation, and Andrew Painter flashed incredible potential down the stretch. Aaron Nola had a very strong second half, as well.

But Philadelphia could use some depth in the event of an injury, so the Phillies are expected to bring in another starting pitcher, as well.

Surely, bigger moves than Hartlieb are coming.