Phillies agree to one-year deal with reliever Joaquin Benoit

The Phillies knew they were heading to this offseason’s winter meetings needing help everywhere —particularly in the bullpen.

The first major signing of the offseason (after Jeremy Hellickson’sone-year tender) comes in the form of a reliever,Joaquin Benoit, who will be a Phillie for at least one season as he agreed to a $7.5 million deal according to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Matt Gelb.

The 39-year-old was 3-1 with a 2.81 ERA in 51 games with the Mariners and Blue Jays last season. He has a career ERA of 3.79 and will provide much-needed experience and leadership in the pen for the youthful Phils.

Benoit could be a useful arm with runners on base. Of all active pitchers in baseball, only one — Clayton Kershaw — has allowed less hits per nine innings than the Phillies new reliever. He’s given up just 7.42 hits per nine innings pitched.