Phillies add free agent reliever Hernandez, Giles talks heating up

In their first move at the annual MLB Winter Meetings, the Phillies announced the signing of free agent right-hander David Hernandez to a one-year deal.

The 30-year-old is a veteran of six big league seasons and was originally a 16th round draft selection by Baltimore in 2005. In 40 appearances last season for Arizona, Hernandez sported a 1-5 record along with a 4.38 ERA.

This signing by Philadelphia will help to fill out the bullpen, but should not be expected to improve it. As seen in the embedded tweet below, Hernandez has very similar career numbers to departed righty reliever Justin De Fratus.

Phils RHP acquisition David Hernandez- 4.15ERA, 1.32WHIP, 9.0K/9, 3.8BB/9. Departed RHP Justin DeFratus- 4.08ERA, 1.37WHIP, 7.9K/9, 3.6BB/9.
— Jay Floyd (@PhoulBallz) December 9, 2015

Additionally, reports out of the Winter Meetings also mention continued dialogue between the Phils and Astros regarding closer Ken Giles.

Phils and Astros have been talking about Giles all week. Sources said talks have indeed ratcheted up, but unclear if anything is imminent.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) December 9, 2015

Phillies media session pushed back. Sign of something coming? Sources say talks w Astros on Giles are hot
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyCSN) December 9, 2015

If talks with Houston don't move along, the Phillies' big move of the week may take place tomorrow, as the Rule 5 draft is slated for Thursday morning.

This post originally appeared on Phillies Nation.

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