The Phillies are expected to revamp their bullpen again this offseason, with five key relievers set to return and three jobs available. The team made significant changes around the trade deadline last season and it paid off as they won 96 games and earned a first-round bye in the NL. However, their offense failed to deliver in October.
The Phillies are likely to look for two free agent relief pitchers to bolster their bullpen, considering that three of the five returning relievers are left-handed and there is a need for right-handers. Some potential targets include Pete Fairbanks, who is expected to command seven figures per year but would be a valuable addition; Kenley Jansen, who is fresh off a 28-save season with a 2.59 ERA and might be available on a one-year deal.
Other options could be Ryan Helsley, who had a dominant 2024 season before struggling in 2025; Emilio Pagan, who emerged as a late-inning specialist last season; and Raisel Iglesias, who has been the Braves' closer for three seasons and saved 97 games since 2023. The Phillies may also consider solid middle relievers like Seranthony Dominguez or Kyle Finnegan.
The team could also go after swing arms like Luke Weaver, who has started and relieved games throughout his career, or Shawn Armstrong, whose inconsistency makes it difficult to predict how he'll perform next season. Other right-handed relief options include Jakob Junis, Pierce Johnson, Phil Maton, Chris Martin, Jonathan Loaisiga, Scott Barlow, Ryne Stanek, Justin Topa, Jose Leclerc, and Ryan Brasier.
Some players who could provide a bounce-back option for the Phillies include Devin Williams, who struggled in his first season with the Yankees but had six elite seasons previously; Hunter Harvey, who has been hampered by injuries but has a career 3.11 ERA; Tommy Kahnle, who had a disappointing season at 35 but still has quality innings left in the tank; Paul Sewald, who was one of the best righties in the league from 2021-2023 but struggled since then; and Tyler Kinley, who has been inconsistent throughout his career. The Phillies may also consider re-signing Hector Neris, who has fallen on hard times with back-to-back struggle-bus campaigns.
Ultimately, the Phillies will need to find the right mix of veterans and young arms to form a competitive bullpen that can support their offense. With several options available in free agency, they have a chance to make significant upgrades and strengthen their chances of returning to the postseason.
The Phillies are likely to look for two free agent relief pitchers to bolster their bullpen, considering that three of the five returning relievers are left-handed and there is a need for right-handers. Some potential targets include Pete Fairbanks, who is expected to command seven figures per year but would be a valuable addition; Kenley Jansen, who is fresh off a 28-save season with a 2.59 ERA and might be available on a one-year deal.
Other options could be Ryan Helsley, who had a dominant 2024 season before struggling in 2025; Emilio Pagan, who emerged as a late-inning specialist last season; and Raisel Iglesias, who has been the Braves' closer for three seasons and saved 97 games since 2023. The Phillies may also consider solid middle relievers like Seranthony Dominguez or Kyle Finnegan.
The team could also go after swing arms like Luke Weaver, who has started and relieved games throughout his career, or Shawn Armstrong, whose inconsistency makes it difficult to predict how he'll perform next season. Other right-handed relief options include Jakob Junis, Pierce Johnson, Phil Maton, Chris Martin, Jonathan Loaisiga, Scott Barlow, Ryne Stanek, Justin Topa, Jose Leclerc, and Ryan Brasier.
Some players who could provide a bounce-back option for the Phillies include Devin Williams, who struggled in his first season with the Yankees but had six elite seasons previously; Hunter Harvey, who has been hampered by injuries but has a career 3.11 ERA; Tommy Kahnle, who had a disappointing season at 35 but still has quality innings left in the tank; Paul Sewald, who was one of the best righties in the league from 2021-2023 but struggled since then; and Tyler Kinley, who has been inconsistent throughout his career. The Phillies may also consider re-signing Hector Neris, who has fallen on hard times with back-to-back struggle-bus campaigns.
Ultimately, the Phillies will need to find the right mix of veterans and young arms to form a competitive bullpen that can support their offense. With several options available in free agency, they have a chance to make significant upgrades and strengthen their chances of returning to the postseason.
... gotta say, I'm not super sold on all these big-name free agents, Pete Fairbanks is just too pricey for my liking 
. But Kenley Jansen could be a nice addition, he's still got some great stuff left in him 
. And those other guys like Ryan Helsley and Emilio Pagan, they've shown promise but consistency is key, right? 
Also, wouldn't it be awesome if they could get Hector Neris back on track? 
That would be a huge boost to the bullpen. We'll just have to see how all this plays out 
. The Phillies are stuck between wanting experienced relievers who can deliver in October but aren't gonna break the bank, and young guys who might not be ready yet. And don't even get me started on the state of free agency – it's like a never-ending cycle of players declining rapidly or getting injured 
. Pete Fairbanks is definitely tempting, but seven figures per year? Are they really worth it? And then there's Kenley Jansen who's just gonna be expensive too 
. I mean, Pete Fairbanks is a no-brainer, he's gonna cost a ton but trust me, it'll be worth it 
. And can we talk about the swing arms? Luke Weaver is exactly what they need, someone who can fill in wherever needed. The team's got to make some smart moves here, I'm keeping my fingers crossed they don't go for that guy Hector Neris anymore 
The bullpen drama is back! I think Philly needs to go for balance, you know? They need guys who can get big outs but also bring some youth to the table. Pete Fairbanks would be amazing, but seven figures is a lot 
. Emilio Pagan or Raisel Iglesias could be solid additions too 
. They should also consider those swing arms like Luke Weaver, they can be game-changers in the postseason 
!
I feel like the Phillies are going through a bit of an identity crisis with their bullpen. One day it's all about the power and speed, and the next it's about finding that perfect mix of veterans and young arms.
! I mean, five key guys are coming back, which is awesome, but we need some righties to balance out the lefty-heavy roster. Pete Fairbanks would be a game-changer 
if they can get him to sign for less than 7 figures, that'd be a major upgrade. Kenley Jansen is also an option, and he's been on fire lately 
. Emilio Pagan could be a nice late-inning specialist though, and Raisel Iglesias would be amazing if he comes back from the Braves 
.
. Maybe it's time for Devin Williams to bounce back with the Phillies? He had some killer seasons in Milwaukee... Fingers crossed! 
Can't believe he's struggling so bad after being a top righty from 2021-2023 
! The Phillies are definitely looking to shake up their bullpen after last season's disappointing playoff run. I think it's great that they're considering both free agents and young arms - Pete Fairbanks would be a game-changer, but Kenley Jansen is also an amazing option. The thing that excites me most is the potential for some bounce-back performances from guys like Devin Williams or Tommy Kahnle. They've got some talented options to choose from, and if they find the right mix of vets and young guns, I think their bullpen could be a real strength this season 
. Ryan Helsley had a great 2024 season, but his inconsistency in '25 was a major letdown 
️. Jakob Junis or Pierce Johnson could be sneaky pickups too 
. And if they're feeling bold, Devin Williams has elite stuff and would bring some much-needed magic to their bullpen 
.
. If they can do that, I think Philly's bullpen will be one of the best in the league 
. They need those guys who can bring the heat in clutch situations, you know? And it's crazy how many options are out there on the free agent market – 20+ relievers and middle relievers that could be a game-changer for them 
. Pete Fairbanks would be a beast addition, but 7 figures is a lot to pay for one guy 
. Kenley Jansen is also a great option, he's still got it 
. Pete Fairbanks would be a game-changer if they can snag him - seven figures? Worth it 
They need some serious depth on the back end. I'm not sold on Pete Fairbanks, his price tag's just crazy 
One thing that worries me is their lefty-heavy bullpen - it's like they're begging for a righty to come in and shut the door. Someone like Pete Fairbanks or Kenley Jansen would be a game-changer, you know? 
. We just gotta be patient and trust that they're doing what's best for the squad 