Phillies Bullpen Overhaul: Will New Signings Be Enough to Turn Around the Team?
The Philadelphia Phillies made significant strides in revitalizing their bullpen before the trade deadline last season, with this revamped unit helping propel the team to 96 wins and a first-round bye in the National League playoffs. However, despite this improved performance, the offense failed to live up to expectations during the postseason.
As the offseason gets underway, five key relievers are set to return from last year's roster, including Jhoan Duran and Orion Kerkering on the right side, while Matt Strahm, José Alvarado, and Tanner Banks will be back on the left. Arms like Max Lazar, Daniel Robert, Seth Johnson, and Michael Mercado are also vying for a spot in spring training.
The Phillies may opt to address one of the remaining spots with a longman, such as Taijuan Walker, who is expected to occupy a rotation spot due to his significant salary next season. With this move, they'll likely look to sign at least two free agent relief pitchers to bolster their bullpen. Given that three of the returning relievers are southpaws, the Phillies may focus on acquiring right-handed arms to round out their staff.
Several top-tier relief pitchers could be in play for Philadelphia's attention, including Pete Fairbanks and Kenley Jansen. While both have had impressive seasons in recent years, their high price tags will likely be a hurdle for the team to overcome. Ryan Helsley, on the other hand, has shown great promise as a closer but struggled after being traded at the deadline last season.
Other notable free agent relief pitchers worth keeping an eye on include Emilio Pagan, Raisel Iglesias, and Devin Williams. Pagan's breakout season with 32 saves for the Reds could make him an attractive signing option, while Iglesias' ability to save games with a strong ERA makes him a solid choice. Williams, however, is looking for a bounce-back season after struggling with injuries last year.
As the Phillies consider their options, they may also look into buying low on pitchers who are past their prime but still offer value at a lower price tag. Hunter Harvey and Tommy Kahnle are two names that could be of interest, as both have shown flashes of brilliance in the past despite recent struggles.
The Philadelphia Phillies made significant strides in revitalizing their bullpen before the trade deadline last season, with this revamped unit helping propel the team to 96 wins and a first-round bye in the National League playoffs. However, despite this improved performance, the offense failed to live up to expectations during the postseason.
As the offseason gets underway, five key relievers are set to return from last year's roster, including Jhoan Duran and Orion Kerkering on the right side, while Matt Strahm, José Alvarado, and Tanner Banks will be back on the left. Arms like Max Lazar, Daniel Robert, Seth Johnson, and Michael Mercado are also vying for a spot in spring training.
The Phillies may opt to address one of the remaining spots with a longman, such as Taijuan Walker, who is expected to occupy a rotation spot due to his significant salary next season. With this move, they'll likely look to sign at least two free agent relief pitchers to bolster their bullpen. Given that three of the returning relievers are southpaws, the Phillies may focus on acquiring right-handed arms to round out their staff.
Several top-tier relief pitchers could be in play for Philadelphia's attention, including Pete Fairbanks and Kenley Jansen. While both have had impressive seasons in recent years, their high price tags will likely be a hurdle for the team to overcome. Ryan Helsley, on the other hand, has shown great promise as a closer but struggled after being traded at the deadline last season.
Other notable free agent relief pitchers worth keeping an eye on include Emilio Pagan, Raisel Iglesias, and Devin Williams. Pagan's breakout season with 32 saves for the Reds could make him an attractive signing option, while Iglesias' ability to save games with a strong ERA makes him a solid choice. Williams, however, is looking for a bounce-back season after struggling with injuries last year.
As the Phillies consider their options, they may also look into buying low on pitchers who are past their prime but still offer value at a lower price tag. Hunter Harvey and Tommy Kahnle are two names that could be of interest, as both have shown flashes of brilliance in the past despite recent struggles.
they got some solid guys coming back but they need depth and consistency. adding harvey or kahnle might be a good move 
, but i'm not convinced it'll make a huge difference. what's more worrying is that they're gonna overspend on someone like walker just to keep him out of the rotation 
He's like the best closer in the game rn & they need someone to step up with their bullpen. I mean, those 2 free agent arms Raisel Iglesias & Devin Williams R luky 2 get signed lol 
the Phillies bullpen is a mess, they need to sign some legit relief pitchers ASAP or else they'll get destroyed in the playoffs again... 2 years ago they were 96-66 and now they're probably gonna be like 70-80 this year lol 
but i gotta give 'em credit, they did make some solid moves last year, especially with duran and kerkering comin in. idk if signin 2-3 free agent arms will be enough tho, i mean, what's the diff between pete fairbanks and kenley jansen? both are top tier but their prices are like, woooaaa 
anyway, if they do go that route, can we pls just get some depth in our minor league system too? 
. And let's be real, Pagan's breakout season is a great sign, he could be a steal at this price 
.
like whoa, kenley jansen is a legend 
but dude, his price tag is thru the roof 
. i'm also low-key excited to see what taijuan walker brings to the table 
, if they can get him to throw 200+ innings next season that'd be huge 
but seriously, who's gonna fill in for the longman spot 
. They need to strengthen their 'pen if they wanna make a deep run this time around 
. And hey, buying low on guys like Harvey or Kahnle could be a smart move too 
I mean, who doesn't love a good bullpen, right? 
And the Phillies will still end up with a bunch of mediocre relievers and no real hope for the playoffs...