3 Players the Phillies Need to Sign Once MLB Lifts Freeze

Now that the MLB has finally agreed on a plan to start the season, teams like the Philadelphia Phillies will finally be able to scavenge the free agent market for veteran contributors who are currently unemployed.

The Phillies have some big holes on this roster, despite the presence of some of the game's brightest stars in Bryce Harper and Aaron Nola, and they should look at these guys in order to satisfy those needs.

3. RP Fernando Rodney

Washington Nationals reliever Fernando Rodney / Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Even at the age of 43, Rodney is throwing gas. Not only is he still throwing hard as he looks to start up his 18th season of MLB action, but he amassed a 4.05 ERA for a Washington Nationals team that won a World Series last year, demonstrably proving that a team with championship aspirations can count on him to get big outs when needed. The injury to Seranthony Dominguez has left the Philadelphia bullpen looking very suspect at the moment. Rodney wouldn't totally fix that, but he can offer up an experienced, hard-throwing arm in a bullpen lacking both of those traits.

2. OF Melky Cabrera

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Melky Cabrera / Bob Levey/Getty Images

Melky's -1.3 WAR last year is a testament to how his defense has eroded during the last few seasons. Having said that, if you're looking for a fourth outfielder or DH that can be called upon to pick up a few timely hits now and again, Cabrera is perfect for that role, as evidenced by the fact he has hit .273 or better in every season from 2011 onwards. Even with his defense in decline and the fact he will be 36 soon, Cabrera has shown enough to warrant one last chance at a ring with Philadelphia.

1. SP Aaron Sanchez

Houston Astros pitcher Aaron Sanchez / Michael Zagaris/Getty Images

Sanchez looked like the next great AL starting pitcher after leading the junior circuit with a 3.00 ERA with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2016. Everything came apart at the seams after that year, as he never put up an ERA lower than 4.25 after 2016, which led to his trade to the Houston Astros. Sanchez is a total wild card right now, but his explosive fastball and solid breaking ball could convince Joe Girardi to give him a shot as the team's fifth starter in a subpar rotation.