No, your eyes are not deceiving you. Even in the midst of a labor stoppage that has postponed opening day and could threaten to cancel the entire season the Phillies are making deals.

The lockout only applies to players currently on the 40-man roster giving all other minor-leaguers the ability to work out at their respective team complex. That being said, Todd Zolecki is reporting that the Phillies have signed a handful of players to minor league deals and are expected to sign RHP Aaron Barrett and OF John Andreoli to minor league contracts.

The Phillies continue to add potential bullpen pieces by acquiring Barrett, 34, who is the quintessential underdog. Barrett pitched well over 70 innings in 2014-15 but was forced to undergo Tommy John and missed parts of the next two seasons.

Then in 2017 in a freak occurrence he broke the humerus bone in his right arm during a rehab appearance in Triple-A.

Barrett spent the next two years grinding away before making an emotional return to the show during the Nat’s 2019 championship season.

Barrett is by no means a lock to make the club but bullpen depth is like playing the lottery, the more tickets you have the better. Considering the garbage fire that has been the Phillies bullpen in recent seasons, I can get excited about pretty much anything at this point. Barrett would immediately be a fan favorite as everyone knows Philadelphia loves a good underdog story.

Andreoli, 31, has 74 plate appearances over two big league seasons with the Orioles, Mariners, and Padres where he slashed a measly .224/.284/.269. Despite that lack of success the Phillies are willing to give him a look because of his .258/.373/.414 line in more than 2600 Triple-A plate appearances and ability to play any outfield position.

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Mandatory Credit: MLB.com