Phils make roster tweaks at tender deadline

PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies sprung no surprises before Tuesday’s 8 p.m. ET non-tender deadline. Now, will they make any further moves before the Collective Bargaining Agreement expires at midnight on Wednesday?

The Phillies offered contracts on Tuesday to first baseman Rhys Hoskins, right-hander Zach Eflin and left-hander José Alvarado, and non-tendered outfielder Roman Quinn, whom they designated for assignment on Monday. The Phillies earlier in the day agreed to a one-year, $727,500 contract with right-hander Seranthony Domínguez to avoid salary arbitration. Hoskins, Eflin and Alvarado each remain eligible for arbitration.

The Phillies also non-tendered left-hander Kyle Dohy, but re-signed him to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training. The move cleared a spot on the 40-man roster.

Domínguez pitched one inning in the final game of the 2021 season. It was his first appearance in the big leagues since June 5, 2019, because of an injured right elbow that ultimately required Tommy John surgery.

The Phillies expect Domínguez to be a key piece in the 2022 bullpen, which will include Alvarado, Connor Brogdon and Sam Coonrod. Who else will join them? It remains to be seen, but a source said Monday that the Phillies were trying to land free-agent right-hander Corey Knebel, who pitched last season with the Dodgers.

Knebel would make up for the loss of Héctor Neris, who is joining Houston on a two-year, $17 million deal. The Phillies still want at least another arm or two in there, even if they were to sign Knebel. They need a closer.

The Phils have been talking with free-agent outfielder Kyle Schwarber. Presumably, he would play left field.

They remain in pursuit of a center fielder, too. Starling Marte and Byron Buxton are no longer available. The Athletic reported that the Phillies and Rays have discussed a Kevin Kiermaier trade. Kiermaier is a defensive whiz with a career .720 OPS and 98 OPS+. He is entering the final season of a six-year, $53.5 million contract. He will make $12.2 million next season with a $2.5 million buyout on a $13 million club option in 2023. The Rays have a glut of outfielders. It all makes him an ideal trade candidate for Tampa Bay.

Free agent Chris Taylor can play center field. He can hit, too. But the Phillies would surrender a second-round pick in the 2022 Draft, plus $500,000 in international bonus pool money, to sign him because the Dodgers made him a qualifying offer.

The Phillies entered the offseason with nine players eligible for salary arbitration. They outrighted Odúbel Herrera, Andrew Knapp, Travis Jankowski and Ronald Torreyes this month.