Report: Phillies close to signing Benoit

The Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly close to signing veteran reliever Joaquin Benoit, sources told Jim Salisbury of CSN Philadelphia.

Benoit was on the verge of a disastrous season with the Seattle Mariners before a trade sent him to the Toronto Blue Jays where he was able to re-establish his value.

After posting a 5.18 ERA and 1.44 WHIP in 26 appearances with the Mariners, Benoit went on to craft a 0.38 ERA and 1.01 WHIP in 25 outings with the Blue Jays - the only run he allowed with Toronto was a home run to David Ortiz.

The signing, which Salisbury believes will be announced before the winter meetings come to a close Thursday, is the fourth significant deal by the Phillies front office this offseason. Last month they acquired reliever Pat Neshek from the Astros, outfielder Howie Kendrick from the Dodgers, and issued a $17.2-million qualifying offer to starter Jeremy Hellickson which was accepted.

Benoit does have experience closing, but will likely serve as a relief option in earlier innings, leaving Jeanmar Gomez or Hector Neris as the club's closer.