Phils Sign Frandsen, Offer Tenders to 4 Others

By Todd Zolecki, Phillies.com

The Phillies offered no true surprises before Monday’s 11:59 p.m. ET deadline to tender contracts to their players eligible for salary arbitration.

They avoided arbitration with infielder Kevin Frandsen, agreeing to a one-year, $900,00 contract, which includes performance bonuses. They also tendered contracts to right-hander Kyle Kendrick, center fielder Ben Revere, left-hander Antonio Bastardo and outfielder John Mayberry Jr.

They were the organization’s only five players eligible for arbitration.

There had been no doubt the Phillies would tender contracts to Kendrick, Revere and Bastardo. The Phillies need Kendrick to fill out the rotation, Revere to play center field and hit atop the lineup and Bastardo to help a beleaguered bullpen.

Frandsen could have been non-tendered had the Phillies felt they were too far apart in contract negotiations. They have infielders like Freddy Galvis, Cesar Hernandez and Reid Brignac to compete for bench jobs in Spring Training. Mayberry has had an up-and-down time with the Phillies, but he still holds value as a right-handed hitter with power who can play all three outfield positions and first base.

Players and teams have until Jan. 17 to reach agreements before entering into arbitration, which would take place in February.

Frandsen hit just .234 last season, but was a nice spark off the bench at times.