One of the needs that everyone agreed the Phillies had coming into this free agency period was clearly the the bullpen. According to Jayson Stark, the Phillies are trying to bring back one of the important pieces from last year’s bullpen, Jose Contreras.
The free agent the Phillies have been most aggressive about trying to re-sign isn’t Werth. It’s right-hander Jose Contreras, who struck out 57 in 56 2/3 innings in his first full season in the bullpen.
Contreras was clearly the Phillies 3rd most important arm in the bullpen last season and as the season wore on he clearly became the guy Charlie Manuel most trusted outside of the 8th and 9th innings. Keeping Contreras, especially if they can get him on a one year deal, would be a real solid start to free agency for the Phils.