The Phillies have signed right-handed reliever Joaquin Benoit to a one-year contract, Vice President & General Manager Matt Klentak announced today.
Benoit went 3-1 with one save and a 2.81 ERA in a combined 51 appearances last year between the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays while averaging 9.75 strikeouts/9.0 innings pitched. Benoit, 39, began the season with Seattle before being traded to Toronto in late July, where he allowed just one earned run in 23.2 innings pitched.
Over the last seven seasons (2010-current), Benoit has posted a 0.98 WHIP, which ranks third among all major league relievers in that span, trailing only Kenley Jansen (0.89) and Craig Kimbrel (0.95).
Benoit appeared in four consecutive postseasons (2010-13), which included the 2012 World Series. In 20 career playoff appearances, he is 1-0 with three saves and a 2.82 ERA, averaging 10.88 strikeouts/9.0 innings pitched.
In 712 career major league appearances (55 starts), Benoit has 51 saves and has posted a 3.79 ERA with nearly a strikeout per inning pitched (1,012 SO/1,018.1 IP) for the Texas Rangers (2001-08), Tampa Bay Rays (2010), Detroit Tigers (2011-13), San Diego Padres (2014-15), Mariners (2016) and Blue Jays (2016). A native of the Dominican Republic, Benoit was originally signed by the Rangers as an amateur free agent in 1996.
To make room for Benoit on the 40-man roster, right-hander Michael Mariot was designated for assignment.