The Philadelphia Phillies took their time addressing their needs this offseason, but they have managed to acquire four players whose roles are already defined heading into next season.
Ben Revere is set to take over in center field, while third base belongs to Michael Young, as long as he can remain healthy while playing regularly in the field for the first time since 2010. As for the pitching staff, the newly acquired John Lannan will have the inside track on the fifth spot in the rotation, while Mike Adams joins Jonathan Papelbon in giving the Phils an experienced back end to their bullpen.
But what about the rest of the roster?
Although the infield and starting rotation are either set or include few other alternatives, the rest of the roster features players who will be competing for roster spots and playing time during spring training.
And they won’t be competing simply against those players already on the 40-man roster.
The Phillies currently have nine players who have been named as non-roster invitees to spring training. Some of these players have played for the Phils in recent seasons, while others were signed this offseason.
This list includes players who could receive extra attention during spring training as players with either an outside shot at winning a final roster spot or being sent to Triple-A until a call-up is needed during the regular season. Looking at the Phils‘ current roster, it becomes clear that reserve infielder, bullpen and outfield spots are all up for grabs.
Here are five players who could get long looks by the Phils as non-roster invitees in spring training.