Phillies Should Consider Bringing Back Jeff Manship

Manship had an excellent season in the Indians bullpen, and is now a free agent the Phillies could sign after being non-tendered Friday evening

Many forget that Jeff Manship was once a member of the Phillies. Regardless, Matt Klentak should consider reaching out to Manship to ignite a reunion that could save the Phillies bullpen.

Manship was signed as a free agent by the Phillies prior to the 2014 season, but appeared in just 20 games due to injuries.

Statistically, Manship looked unimpressive with a 6.65 ERA and 14 walks during his lone season with the Phillies. Certainly nothing special at face value.

Since leaving Philadelphia, Manship has been a main-stay in the Indians rotation for two seasons. Last year in-route to a World Series appearance, the 31-year-old had a 3.12 ERA in 53 games out of the bullpen. Two years ago, he sported a .92 ERA for the Indians in 39.1 innings.

Nov 1, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Jeff Manship throws a pitch against the Chicago Cubs in the 6th inning in game six of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

With an incredibly young bullpen, the Phillies could use a veteran such as Manship to be a steady hand. With a veteran who has postseason experience on-hand, the development of the Phillies bullpen could accelerate greatly.

Even better, Manship could be a trade piece once the summer deadline arrives. If his dominance from last season carries over into 2017, the Phillies could get a prospect or two that will benefit the rebuild.

With more reasons than one, the Phillies should at-least entertain signing Manship to a one-year deal. Between mentoring a young pitching staff and possibly drawing prospects in a trade, Manship provides multiple positives for the Phillies looking towards 2017.