The Philadelphia Phillies have officially lost 9-year MLB veteran pitcher Lucas Sims to free agency after he elected to hit the open market on November 6. His decision comes following a year in which he attempted to rebuild his value within the Phillies’ system after being released earlier in the season.
Sims joined Philadelphia on a minor-league contract, a low-risk signing aimed at boosting the organization’s relief depth. Despite his experience, he never reached the big-league roster in 2024, instead spending the full campaign with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
During his time in Triple-A, Sims made 34 appearances, posting a 5.56 ERA while recording seven holds and one save. The Phillies had hoped he would regain some of the consistency he once showcased in the majors, but uneven performance kept him from earning a promotion.
Sims’ MLB résumé remains substantial. Over 263 major-league games, he built a reputation as a durable reliever with swing-and-miss ability, most notably during his tenure with the Cincinnati Reds. Across seven seasons in Cincinnati, he produced a 3.94 ERA in 210 appearances, making him a reliable bullpen piece for much of his time there.
His best year came in 2023, when he delivered a standout 3.10 ERA across 67 games, signaling that he could still perform effectively at the major-league level. However, his performance dipped over the next two seasons, leading to his eventual release and subsequent effort to rebound with Philadelphia.
For the Phillies, Sims’ departure is not expected to significantly alter their major-league bullpen plans. He was viewed primarily as organizational depth rather than a projected contributor at the MLB level, especially given the team’s strong bullpen core and several internal options ahead of him on the depth chart.
Still, losing a veteran arm does create a small gap in the club’s Triple-A pitching depth, something the front office may look to address through minor-league signings, waiver claims, or non-roster invites as the offseason progresses. With the Phillies seeking every competitive advantage, even depth pieces matter—making Sims’ exit another item on their winter to-do list.
