Following a look at the Philadelphia Phillies’ best free-agent signings since 2000, it’s time to examine the worst. While the Phillies have made numerous moves in free agency over the years, not all of them panned out as hoped. The contracts of these players varied—some were short-lived as the Phillies quickly moved on after realizing their mistakes, while others lingered on the roster despite lackluster performances. Expectations also played a role; some signings were highly anticipated but ultimately disappointing, while others quietly became burdens. In certain cases, the financial impact continued even after the players parted ways with the team, due to deferred contract structures.
The Worst Phillies Free-Agent Signings Since 2000
Didi Gregorius – Two Years, $20 Million
Didi Gregorius was signed by the Phillies before the 2020 season, and while his first year was solid, his performance quickly deteriorated. In the shortened 2020 season, he hit .284/.339/.488 with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs over 60 games, earning a 120 OPS+ and 1.2 bWAR. However, from 2021 onward, Gregorius struggled, posting a .210/.267/.345 slash line with 14 home runs and 73 RBIs over 166 games. His OPS+ fell to 68, and his bWAR dropped to -1.2. The Phillies released him on August 4, 2022, and he hasn’t played in the majors since.
Josh Harrison – One Year, $2 Million
Josh Harrison joined the Phillies ahead of the 2023 season and appeared in 40 games. His performance, however, was disappointing, as he posted a .204/.263/.291 line with only two home runs and 10 RBIs. His 52 OPS+ and -0.6 bWAR highlighted his struggles. This marked the second time Harrison was released after less than one season with a team, the first being in 2019 by the Detroit Tigers. He was released by the Phillies on August 2, 2023, without playing another game.
Taijuan Walker – Four Years, $72 Million
Taijuan Walker had a solid first season with the Phillies, but his performance quickly declined. In 2023, he posted a 15-6 record with a 4.38 ERA and 138 strikeouts in 31 games, earning a 98 ERA+ and a 2.5 bWAR. However, in 2024, he struggled, finishing with a 3-7 record, a 7.10 ERA, and 58 strikeouts in 19 games. His ERA+ dropped to 57, and his bWAR fell to -1.6. Heading into spring training, Walker faces stiff competition for a spot on the 2025 roster. He is the only player on this list still with the team.
Whit Merrifield – One Year, $8 Million
The Phillies signed Merrifield prior to the 2024 season to fill a utility role. However, in 52 games, he posted a .199/.277/.295 line with three home runs and 11 RBIs, recording a 62 OPS+ and 0.1 bWAR. On July 12, 2024, the team released Merrifield, and Weston Wilson took over the platoon role. Merrifield signed with the Atlanta Braves 10 days after his release.
Adam Eaton – Three Years, $24 Million
The worst free-agent signing by the Phillies in this century occurred before the 2007 season when they added Adam Eaton to the rotation. Eaton’s time in Philadelphia was disastrous, as he posted a 14-18 record with a 6.10 ERA and 154 strikeouts in 51 games. His struggles were reflected in a 74 ERA+ and -2.6 bWAR. Eaton, originally drafted by the Phillies in 1996 but traded to the Padres, was released by the team on February 27, 2009, officially marking one of the Phillies’ most regrettable signings.
Ben Rosen
Ben enjoys broadcasting and writing about sports as well as playing sports video games. His favorite professional sports teams are the Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Indiana Pacers.
