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Phillies could lose 7-year veteran to NL East rival in two days: report
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- Phillies could lose 7-year veteran to NL East rival in two days: report
Philadelphia Phillies infielder Dylan Moore , who's looking to continue his MLB career as a non-roster invitee in spring training, is triggering his opt-out clause according to a new report March 19.
Will Sammon of The Athletic reports that Moore can become a free agent on March 21 if he isn't added to the Phillies' 40-man roster in the next two days — and at least one National League East rival might be interested.
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Moore, who saw time at six different positions with the Seattle Mariners in 2024 and won a Gold Glove Award, is slashing .226/.324/.258 in 13 Grapefruit League games. He went 2 for 2 with two RBIs and a walk on March 18 against the Atlanta Braves .
Outfielder Johan Rojas ' 80-game PED suspension created a sudden opening on the Phillies' Opening Day roster. Veteran Edmundo Sosa and rookie Otto Kemp are projected to take two of the three available jobs on the Phillies' bench.
Moore is effectively vying for the last spot on the bench. He's the most versatile defender of anyone in the Phillies' camp, but his struggles at the plate could deter the team from making the corresponding 40-man roster move necessary to add him.
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Felix Reyes, a right-handed hitter like Moore, had an impressive camp at the plate (.303/.324/.606) but was reassigned to the Phils' minor league camp on Wednesday.
Sammon suggested the New York Mets could be interested in adding Moore if the Phillies aren't.
The Mets' infield is crowded enough that corner infielder Mark Vientos , who had an .837 OPS (134 OPS+) just two seasons ago, is projected to begin the season on their bench. Vientos is hitting just .040 in spring training. He is out of options, however, so the Mets could extend some patience with Vientos into the regular season.
Sammon also mentioned the Baltimore Orioles and Houston Astros as fits if Moore ultimately opts out of his minor league contract.
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