Philadelphia Phillies Look to Strengthen Bullpen as Free Agency Looms.
The Phillies' revamped bullpen, which was instrumental in their 96-win season and first-round bye in the NL, will be facing a crucial test this offseason. With five key relievers set to return, the team will need to decide whether to invest heavily in free agents or fill out its pen with mid-tier arms.
The Phillies are likely to prioritize adding two top-tier relief pitchers to bolster their bullpen. A long man, such as Taijuan Walker, is expected to occupy one of the eight available spots in spring training, leaving room for two additional signings.
Elite late-inning righties like Pete Fairbanks and Kenley Jansen would be prime targets for the Phillies. Fairbanks has consistently been a top-tier closer with a 2.83 ERA and 27 saves last season, while Jansen brings three-time All-Star experience to the table with a 2.59 ERA.
Ryan Helsley, who led the majors in saves in 2024 with a 2.04 ERA, is also a possibility for a one-year deal. Emilio Pagan could provide an affordable option after breaking out last season with 32 saves and a 2.88 ERA.
Raisel Iglesias would be a great fit as a closer or setup man, bringing 97 saves since 2023 to the table with a 2.35 ERA in Atlanta.
On the other hand, solid middle relievers like Seranthony Dominguez and Kyle Finnegan are worth considering. Dominguez has a 3.16 ERA in his recent stint with the Blue Jays, while Finnegan boasts a career 3.55 ERA.
The Phillies may also look to sign swing arms who can start and relieve games. Luke Weaver would be an attractive option, having had solid seasons as both a starter and reliever for the Yankees. Shawn Armstrong's inconsistency could make him a low-risk signing at this stage in his career.
As for buy-low bounce-back relievers like Devin Williams and Tommy Kahnle, it remains to be seen how they will rebound from disappointing 2025 campaigns.
The Phillies' revamped bullpen, which was instrumental in their 96-win season and first-round bye in the NL, will be facing a crucial test this offseason. With five key relievers set to return, the team will need to decide whether to invest heavily in free agents or fill out its pen with mid-tier arms.
The Phillies are likely to prioritize adding two top-tier relief pitchers to bolster their bullpen. A long man, such as Taijuan Walker, is expected to occupy one of the eight available spots in spring training, leaving room for two additional signings.
Elite late-inning righties like Pete Fairbanks and Kenley Jansen would be prime targets for the Phillies. Fairbanks has consistently been a top-tier closer with a 2.83 ERA and 27 saves last season, while Jansen brings three-time All-Star experience to the table with a 2.59 ERA.
Ryan Helsley, who led the majors in saves in 2024 with a 2.04 ERA, is also a possibility for a one-year deal. Emilio Pagan could provide an affordable option after breaking out last season with 32 saves and a 2.88 ERA.
Raisel Iglesias would be a great fit as a closer or setup man, bringing 97 saves since 2023 to the table with a 2.35 ERA in Atlanta.
On the other hand, solid middle relievers like Seranthony Dominguez and Kyle Finnegan are worth considering. Dominguez has a 3.16 ERA in his recent stint with the Blue Jays, while Finnegan boasts a career 3.55 ERA.
The Phillies may also look to sign swing arms who can start and relieve games. Luke Weaver would be an attractive option, having had solid seasons as both a starter and reliever for the Yankees. Shawn Armstrong's inconsistency could make him a low-risk signing at this stage in his career.
As for buy-low bounce-back relievers like Devin Williams and Tommy Kahnle, it remains to be seen how they will rebound from disappointing 2025 campaigns.
. I mean, Pete Fairbanks is basically asking for a 4 million dollar deal and Kenley Jansen wants 3.5 million, that's some serious cash 
. They might need to get creative with their budget or offer incentives to sign these guys. It'd be like the Bush tax cuts all over again, except for relievers this time 
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. Taijuan Walker is a beast but not enough, they need someone who's gonna shut the door like Kenley Jansen 
. They could do some trades and sign some guys too, like Luke Weaver. But for real tho, with all these options available, it's gonna be tough to make the right move 
. Maybe they can get that one guy who's been on fire lately and then make a few moves to fill out the pen? That'd be amazing 
!
. They've got some good depth in their pen but I don't see them getting to the playoffs without a big boost from the 'pen. And yeah, signing Iglesias as a closer would be sick 
, he's proven himself on the biggest stage. Let's be real, those guys are gonna make or break the team this offseason 
taijuan walker is def a great start but i'm lowkey rooting for them to snag pete fairbanks, that guy's ERA is insane 
and kenley jansen is like 3x all-star what more do they need? 
. Maybe they can sign a guy like Luke Weaver who can start & relieve games, that could be super useful in the playoffs.
They've got a solid foundation with Walker and Jansen on board, but I think they need to go big or go home for those two top-tier signings 
. They need those top-tier signings to take their game to the next level 
But at what cost? One-year deal, maybe? I'd rather see them invest in a more reliable arm 
. My prediction: Phillies go big on those top-tier signings, Walker and Jansen lead the way 
taylor johnson could be a solid mid-tier signing i guess, plus he's been injured so less pressure on him to perform
I think adding Taijuan Walker would be a great starting point, but then you gotta go all out for those top-tier late-inners like Pete Fairbanks and Kenley Jansen... they're just soooo good! 
And can we please get Ryan Helsley to bring that lightning-quick fastball back?