Bullpen Puzzle: Will Phillies Keep or Cut Key Arms?
The Philadelphia Phillies' bullpen in 2025 was a mixed bag, featuring two distinct units that played vastly different roles throughout the season. On one hand, there was the struggling, makeshift group of pitchers who were marred by inconsistent performances and high ERAs. The team's decision to sign Jordan Romano and let Carlos Estévez and Jeff Hoffman walk only added to the woes.
On the other hand, the Phillies had a reliable, top-tier bullpen that boasted Jhoan Duran as their ace closer. Duran, under contract until 2028, was nearly unhittable in the latter part of the season, earning him the respect of fans and teammates alike. The team also had a plethora of solid back-end arms, including veteran signing David Robertson.
As the offseason approaches, the Phillies will be faced with a critical decision regarding several key bullpen arms. Those who are expected to return include Duran, Orion Kerkering, Tanner Banks, Matt Strahm, and Max Lazar. However, there are also a few players whose fates are uncertain.
José Alvarado, the team's best reliever in the early part of the season before his suspension for steroid use, is due to become a free agent with a $9 million option and $500,000 buyout. While Phillies President Dave Dombrowski hinted at Alvarado's potential return, he also expressed reservations about the player's past performance.
David Robertson, another key bullpen arm, will be 41 next season, making him an uncertain bet for future roster spot. The team may opt to go with younger options rather than committing to a veteran who has struggled in his limited postseason appearances.
Other players whose fates are uncertain include Seth Johnson, Tim Mayza, Lou Trivino, and Jordan Romano. While some of these arms showed promise, they ultimately failed to impress and will likely be given the axe in spring training.
As the Phillies prepare for another season, they must weigh the importance of keeping key bullpen arms versus taking a chance on younger talent. One thing is certain: the team's bullpen will need to be revamped if they hope to contend for a championship. Will they stick with their tried-and-true veterans or go in a different direction? Only time will tell.
The Philadelphia Phillies' bullpen in 2025 was a mixed bag, featuring two distinct units that played vastly different roles throughout the season. On one hand, there was the struggling, makeshift group of pitchers who were marred by inconsistent performances and high ERAs. The team's decision to sign Jordan Romano and let Carlos Estévez and Jeff Hoffman walk only added to the woes.
On the other hand, the Phillies had a reliable, top-tier bullpen that boasted Jhoan Duran as their ace closer. Duran, under contract until 2028, was nearly unhittable in the latter part of the season, earning him the respect of fans and teammates alike. The team also had a plethora of solid back-end arms, including veteran signing David Robertson.
As the offseason approaches, the Phillies will be faced with a critical decision regarding several key bullpen arms. Those who are expected to return include Duran, Orion Kerkering, Tanner Banks, Matt Strahm, and Max Lazar. However, there are also a few players whose fates are uncertain.
José Alvarado, the team's best reliever in the early part of the season before his suspension for steroid use, is due to become a free agent with a $9 million option and $500,000 buyout. While Phillies President Dave Dombrowski hinted at Alvarado's potential return, he also expressed reservations about the player's past performance.
David Robertson, another key bullpen arm, will be 41 next season, making him an uncertain bet for future roster spot. The team may opt to go with younger options rather than committing to a veteran who has struggled in his limited postseason appearances.
Other players whose fates are uncertain include Seth Johnson, Tim Mayza, Lou Trivino, and Jordan Romano. While some of these arms showed promise, they ultimately failed to impress and will likely be given the axe in spring training.
As the Phillies prepare for another season, they must weigh the importance of keeping key bullpen arms versus taking a chance on younger talent. One thing is certain: the team's bullpen will need to be revamped if they hope to contend for a championship. Will they stick with their tried-and-true veterans or go in a different direction? Only time will tell.
. They got Jhoan Duran covered on the closer side, but what's up with all these guys being stuck together like glue? I mean, Jordan Romano, who did they sign, a total bust? And now they're gonna have to decide if it's more of the same or make some serious roster changes 
. David Robertson's gotta be a no-go at 41, but I guess you've got to give credit where credit is due... his stuff is still nasty 
. Anyone who thinks these old guys are the answer needs to rethink their strategy 
.
The team has some great pieces, like Jhoan Duran and David Robertson, but those inconsistent performances from the other guys are a major bummer 
. It's gonna be tough to decide who to keep and who to let go - do they stick with their veteran arms or roll the dice on younger talent? 
. I mean, Jordan Romano was a decent signing, but not worth all those dollars 
. And what about Alvarado - his past performance is just sketchy enough to make me wonder if he's trustworthy 
.
. It's like, do you prioritize experience or potential? 
Either way, I'm excited to see how the Phillies will shake things up this offseason! 
The Phillies are in a tough spot when it comes to their bullpen. They've got some reliable arms, like Duran and Robertson, but also some question marks 
. With guys like Alvarado and Romano on the line, there's a lot of uncertainty 
. And let's be real, if they don't make some changes, they might not even make it out of the first round in the playoffs 
. The bullpen is such a crucial part of any team, so I'm keeping an eye on this situation to see how it all plays out 
. One thing's for sure, if they don't make some changes, they'll be stuck in neutral 
.
! i mean, duran is a beast but what's gonna happen to the rest of them? jordan romano was supposed to be their ace... 
and robertson is getting up there in age, idk if he can keep it up. and what about alvarado, lol who knows if they'll even offer him that $9 million option 
but for real tho, the phillies need to revamp their bullpen ASAP or they're gonna get left behind 
.
. The guy's been lights out in the later part of the season, and I'm glad he's signed for another two years. David Robertson's also a great pick-up, even if he is getting up there in age 
.
️. Wish them luck! 
. I mean David Robertson is getting up there in age and we've seen how that goes down for other vets... not exactly inspiring confidence 
.
they need that ace closer who actually delivers 
. The Phillies gotta decide whether to hold on to Jhoan Duran and his golden arm, or take a shot on some younger arms that might not have it together just yet.
. They gotta think about the future, you know? Maybe bring in some new blood and see what happens. Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure – this bullpen needs a serious makeover 
Can we please get some better moderation on here? I just read about the Phillies' bullpen situation and it's like, why do we have to sift through all these unnecessary details? Like, can't we just see the TL;DR already?! 
This just feels like another boring off-season thread... 
MAYBE THE PHILLIES SHOULD JUST DRAFT SOME YOUNG ARM INSTEAD OF RISKING MORE MONEY ON FREE AGENTS. 
. The thing is, no matter which way they go, they gotta remember that success ain't just about the guys in the bullpen, but the whole team effort 
. If they can find a way to keep their best arms while still giving opportunities to younger guys, I think they'll be golden 
. Still, if Philly can get him to shape up and pitch like that early in the season, it'll be worth it