Phillies avoid arbitration with 4 players, 2 remain unsigned

Major League Baseball’s deadline to exchange arbitration numbers was yesterday, with the Philadelphia Phillies reaching contracts with four out of six eligible players. 

Rhys Hoskins, Ranger Suarez highlighted the day, both settling on new contracts for the 2023 season, avoiding arbitration. Newly acquired Gregory Soto ($3.925 million) also avoided arbitration in his first year of eligibility as well as Edmundo Sosa ($950,000). 

• Rhys Hoskins settles on $12 million contract for 2023 >> 
• Ranger Suarez settles on $2.95 million contract for 2023 >> 

Phillies Arbitration Deadline

With today’s agreements, there are two remaining unsigned players eligible for salary arbitration: LHP Jose Alvarado and RHP Seranthony Domínguez.

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) January 14, 2023

Jose Alvarado and Seranthony Dominguez

Jose Alvarado and Seranthony Dominguez are the last two arbitration eligible players that the Phillies will need to either settle with before the end of the month, or go to arbitration hearings with in February if deals aren’t reached beforehand. 

Alvarado is eligible to become a free agent after the 2023 season. After a rough start to the 2022 season, Alvarado returned to the major leagues and was one of the best relievers in baseball from June until the post season. Over his final 42 regluar season appearances, he posted a 1.66 ERA, striking out 64 batters in 38 innings while walking just 14.

Seranthony Dominguez will be arbitration eligible one more time before entering free agency after the 2024 season. Dominguez was dominant to start the 2022 season before missing nearly a month of time dealing with a right triceps injury. During the regular season, he still went 6-5 with a 3.00 ERA and nine saves over 54 appearances before really locking in during the postseason, throwing a 1.69 ERA in nine appearances while striking out 18 and walking just one in 10 2/3 innings.