Philadelphia Phillies Looking to Address Glaring Weakness in Offseason
The Philadelphia Phillies have been clear heading into the offseason about their need to add starting pitching.
If they can get Aaron Nola to re-sign, then that figures itself out. If not, they'll attack free agency or the trade markets to get a replacement.
But while that is their main focus, they'll also be looking to address the issues that their bullpen had during the most important moment of the season.
With Craig Kimbrel now a free agent and not expected to return, there is some speculation about which direction the Phillies will go to ensure they have a top unit.
Jose Alvarado likely will be used in the closer role at times, but Rob Thomson clearly likes to use him as a weapon that can be called upon anytime Philadelphia is in a tough spot.
That might prevent them from using Alvarado in a traditional closing role.
Orion Kerkering seems to be the closer of their future, but after some struggles during the playoffs, will the Phillies feel ready to turn the keys over to him so soon?
Philadelphia could be aggressive in free agency.
Giving Josh Hader the most lucrative contract for a closer in MLB history doesn't seem like something this front office is willing to do, but with options limited, it could force their hand.
All options are on the table for the Phillies.
Their bullpen took a major step forward in 2023, compared to in years past. They finished the regular season with the seventh best ERA after constantly being in the bottom half in recent years.
After starting off the postseason as a shutdown unit, some of their old flaws came back to haunt them.
It's something that Philadelphia knows they need to address.
How aggressive they will be to add bullpen arms in free agency or by trade will be something to monitor.
