Phillies Add Former Marlins Starter to Reinforce Rotation

The move comes after the departure of Ranger Suárez in free agency.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Philadelphia Phillies have signed 28-year-old right-hander Connor Gillispie, a former Miami Marlins starter, to bolster their rotation depth following the loss of Ranger Suárez in free agency. Gillispie showed promise early last season with the Marlins before struggling, and the Phillies are hoping he can regain that early-season form in a depth role.

Why it matters

The Phillies are looking to reinforce their starting rotation after losing Suárez, a key part of their rotation. While they have optimism around Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, the margin for error is smaller, making depth signings like Gillispie important.

The details

Gillispie, 28, showed flashes of promise with the Marlins early last season, posting solid results in his first few starts before a difficult stretch led to his demotion. After bouncing between organizations and Triple-A assignments, he eventually elected free agency. The Phillies are not necessarily counting on Gillispie to step directly into a major role, but see this as a low-risk move with potential upside if he can regain his early-season form.

  • Gillispie signed with the Phillies on February 19, 2026.

The players

Connor Gillispie

A 28-year-old right-handed pitcher who previously played for the Miami Marlins.

Ranger Suárez

A starting pitcher who departed the Phillies in free agency.

Zack Wheeler

A Phillies starting pitcher whose health the team is optimistic about.

Aaron Nola

A Phillies starting pitcher the team hopes can rebound.

Andrew Painter

A top Phillies pitching prospect who brings upside to the rotation.

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The takeaway

This signing highlights the Phillies' focus on reinforcing their starting rotation depth after the departure of Ranger Suárez. While Gillispie is not expected to be a major contributor, the team is hoping he can provide valuable innings and potentially regain the form he showed early last season with the Marlins.