So this is a fun one. Phillips has spent his career as an outfielder, but after being release by the White Sox in May, the 30-year-old has been training as a pitcher and hit 97 mph in an NBC tournament Monday. The right-hander will report to Tampa before being assigned to a minor-league affiliate. There’s a chance we could see him pitching for the New York bullpen before the end of the season. Baseball is weird.

Phillips has really struggled in Triple-A, as the 29-year-old went just 5-for-57 (.120) with a .508 OPS. His ability to help with the glove could see interest on the free-agent market, but Phillips is very likely looking at another minor-league contract again.

The former Rays and Angels outfielder remains a fan-favorite and one of the better defensive outfielders in the game. However, he has struggled with the bat, hitting .175/.268/.333 with three homers, six RBI, three stolen bases and a 36/8 K/BB ratio over 71 plate appearances with Los Angeles during the 2023 season. He figures to serve as the fourth outfielder in Chicago, acting as a late-game defensive replacement and pinch runner as well.

The Angels sent the 29-year-old outfielder outright to Triple-A Salt Lake, but rather than accepting that assignment he’ll head back to the open market instead. The defensive specialist hit just .175/.268/.333 with three homers, six RBI, three stolen bases and a 36/8 K/BB ratio over 71 plate appearances with the Halos during the 2023 season.