The Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly among the top contenders to sign the best available relief pitcher in Major League Baseball free agency this offseason. With an eye on bolstering their bullpen, the Phillies are expected to target high-impact relievers as they aim to strengthen their pitching staff for a deeper postseason run in 2024.
The team’s bullpen struggled at times during the 2023 season, particularly in high-leverage situations, despite strong performances from key arms like José Alvarado and Craig Kimbrel. As a result, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski and manager Rob Thomson are prioritizing relief pitching in their efforts to improve the roster.
The most coveted relievers on the market this winter are expected to include All-Star closers and elite setup men, such as Josh Hader, who is coming off another dominant year with the San Diego Padres. Hader’s ability to lock down games with his overpowering fastball and wipeout slider has made him one of the top targets for teams in need of a lockdown presence in the late innings.
Another potential target is Aroldis Chapman, whose velocity has remained impressive despite some inconsistency in recent seasons. If the Phillies are able to land a top-tier arm like Hader or Chapman, they would instantly improve their ability to close out tight games and shorten contests, giving their starters more margin for error.
In addition to reinforcing the bullpen, adding a top-tier reliever would allow manager Rob Thomson to better manage his bullpen depth, giving more flexibility and reliability in critical moments. For a team with championship aspirations, shoring up the relief corps will be a crucial step to complement their potent lineup and solid starting rotation.
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