Phillies add depth in Nava, Burnett signings
The Phillies signed two veterans, Daniel Nava and Sean Burnett, who could find their way on the 2017 roster because of a lack of depth, according to sources.
The Phillies signed two veterans, Daniel Nava and Sean Burnett, who could find their way on the 2017 roster because of a lack of depth, according to sources.
Both received minor-league deals and invitations to big-league camp.
Nava, who turns 34 in February, is known as a corner outfielder with a strong on-base skill. The Phillies have Odubel Herrera in center, Howie Kendrick in left and either Roman Quinn or Aaron Altherr in right. There is a bench spot for another reserve outfielder to be won.
Nava hit .273/.362/.398 in 395 games with Boston from 2010-14 but just .208/.307/.268 in 114 games since with four different organizations. He's played both corner spots and some first base.
His contract calls for $1.35 million if he makes the majors, according to a source. He can opt out of the deal, if still in the minors and finds another big-league job, on June 15.
Nava, who was undrafted and signed out of independent ball, made his debut against the Phillies in 2010 at Fenway Park. He crushed a grand slam off Joe Blanton in his first major-league at-bat.
Burnett, 34, provides more depth in a thin area. The Phillies have two lefthanded relievers on the 40-man roster, Joely Rodriguez and waiver claim David Rollins, but no others in the high minors.
Burnett was a mainstay in Washington's bullpen from 2009-12 but has pitched in just 16 major-league innings over the last four seasons. He had a second Tommy John surgery in 2014. Lefties have hit .225 with a .626 OPS against him in his nine-year career.
His signing was first reported by SBNation. The contract is worth $1.25 million if in the majors, according to Sportsnet.ca, and he can opt out on March 26 if he doesn't make the Phillies to find a job elsewhere.