After looking at the Philadelphia Phillies best free agent signings since 2000 it is time to look at the worst. The Phillies have made many moves in free agency this century. Some of not worked out as well as the team would have liked. The contracts given to these players varied widely—some were short-lived as the Phillies quickly moved on after realizing their mistake, while others lingered on the roster despite underwhelming performances. Expectations also played a role; some signings carried high hopes that ultimately fell flat, while others quietly turned into burdens.
In some cases, the financial impact continued even after the player and team parted ways 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 in Philadelphia was solid, his tenure quickly soured after that. In the shortened 2020 season, Gregorius played relatively well, posting a .284/.339/.488 slash line with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs over 60 games. His performance earned him a 120 OPS+ and a 1.2 bWAR.
However, the following two seasons were a stark contrast. From 2021 onward, Gregorius struggled, hitting just .210/.267/.345 with 14 home runs and 73 RBIs across 166 games. During this stretch, his OPS+ plummeted to 68, and his bWAR dipped into negative territory at -1.2. The Phillies ultimately released Gregorius on August 4, 2022, and he hasn’t played in the majors since.
Josh Harrison- One year, $2 million
Josh Harrison joined the Phillies before the 2023 season and appeared in 40 games. However, his performance left much to be desired. Over that stretch, Harrison posted a disappointing .204/.263/.291 slash line, with just two home runs and 10 RBIs. His 52 OPS+ and -0.6 bWAR further underscored his struggles.
This marked the second time in his career that Harrison was released after less than one season with a team. In 2019, the Detroit Tigers cut him loose after just 36 games, during which he posted career-worst numbers. After signing with the Phillies in the offseason, Harrison was once again released, this time on August 2, 2023, without appearing in another game.
Taijuan Walker- Four years, $72 million
Like Gregorius, Taijuan Walker had a solid first season with the Phillies before his performance took a sharp decline. In 2023, Walker posted a 15-6 record with a 4.38 ERA and 138 strikeouts across 31 games. He also recorded a 98 ERA+ and a 2.5 bWAR, which reflected a solid contribution to the rotation.
However, Walker’s performance fell off in 2024. That season, he struggled with a 3-7 record, a 7.10 ERA, and 58 strikeouts in 19 games. His ERA+ dropped to 57, and his bWAR plummeted to -1.6. Heading into spring training, Walker faces a tough battle for a spot on the 2025 Phillies roster. He is currently the only player on this list still remaining with the team.
Whit Merrifield- One year, $8 million
Similar to Harrison, the Phillies signed Merrifield to be a utility player on their bench. Merrifield joined the Phillies prior to the 2024 season. In 52 games Merrifield had a .199/.277/.295 line with three home runs and 11 RBI. Merrifield recorded a 62 OPS+ and a 0.1 bWAR with the Phillies. On July 12, 2024 the team released Merrifield. Weston Wilson took over the platoon role Merrifield was in with Brandon Marsh in left field. Merrifield would sign with the Atlanta Braves 10 days after being released by the Phillies.
Adam Eaton- Three years, $24 million
The worst free-agent signing by the Phillies this century came before the 2007 season when they added Adam Eaton to the rotation. Eaton’s tenure in Philadelphia was a disaster, posting a 14-18 record with a 6.10 ERA and 154 strikeouts in 51 outings. His struggles were reflected in a 74 ERA+ and a -2.6 bWAR over that stretch, marking his two worst seasons by bWAR.
Eaton had originally been drafted by the Phillies in the first round of the 1996 MLB Draft, but he was traded to the San Diego Padres in the Andy Ashby deal before ever appearing in a major league game. His time with the Phillies ended on February 27, 2009, when he was released, officially concluding one of the team’s most regrettable signings.
Main Photo: © Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
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