In the weeks leading up to the MLB lockout, we witnessed several players land new contracts before league operations were officially shut down. The Phillies were able to land two players in reliever Corey Knebel and Johan Camargo just ahead of the first work stoppage in 26 years. With the addition of Knebel and Carmargo, we also saw ex-Phillies players find new homes and since there’s nothing else to write about in the baseball world, we’re going to take a look at where they landed across the league.

The biggest name that stands out is Hector Neris. The all-time Phillies leader in strikeouts, and a career-long Philadelphia Phillies reliever, signed a 2 year, $17 million deal with the Houston Astros. Neris shined once removed from the closer role last year and will be taking on that same role in Houston with closer Ryan Pressly already holding down 9th inning duties. Neris spent 8 seasons in the Phillies organization, totaling 407.2 IP and 520 strikeouts.

J.D Hammer, a once high prospect in the Phils organization who never really hit his peak, inked a minor league deal with the Colorado Rockies. Hammer returns to the team that drafted him, after being selected by Colorado in the 24th round of the 2016 draft. Hammer pitched two seasons in Philadelphia, tallying a 4.38 ERA in 39 career innings.

Freddy Galvis, a two-time Phillie throughout his career, is reportedly heading to the Fukuoka Hawks of the NPB. Galvis started his career in Philly in 2006 and was with the team all the way till 2017. He left for a few years and made his return last season as the final acquisition of the trade deadline. Galvis totaled just under 250 career RBIs with the Phillies, with a career line of .244/.287/.373.

Andrew Knapp, the Phillies backup catcher for five seasons, signed a minor league contract with the Reds last week. Knapp’s journey with the Phillies was a whirlwind, with a ton of highs, and a ton of lows as well. Knapp played 302 games in Philadelphia, tallying over 800+ plate appearances, 152 hits, and 30 doubles.

Being a big Knapp guy myself (sorry it’s true), it was tough to see him go, but it was time to move on. Knapp was listed as a C/INF on the Reds signing post, and after playing some games at 1st base with the Phillies throughout his career, maybe he’s trying to take his game to a more versatile style, to get some more playing time.

Cesar Hernandez, the long-time second baseman for the Phillies from 2013-2019, inked a one-year, $4 million contract with the Washington Nationals, making his return to the NL East. Hernandez was a member of the Cleveland Indians Guardians following his Phillies career in the shortened season and was acquired nay the White Sox last season at the trade deadline.

Hernandez tallied 800+ hits in his Phillies career, with over 3200 plate appearances in red pinstripes. Hernandez is on his way back to the NL East, joining the Washington Nationals and their awful baseball team. 

The Phillies have signed players in free agency and contracts have been picked up for 2022. Ian Kennedy, Ronald Torreyes, Matt Moore, Odubel Herrera, Andrew McCutchen, Brad Miller, and Archie Bradley are the 7 Phillies from the 2021 roster that are still looking for a new home. 

Mandatory Credit: AP Photos