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Philadelphia Phillies: 5 players who need to bounce back in 2021

By David Esser

Sep 16, 2020; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Scott Kingery (4) scores as New York Mets catcher Wilson Ramos (40) is unable to make the play at home plate during the second inning of the game at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 16, 2020; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Scott Kingery (4) scores as New York Mets catcher Wilson Ramos (40) is unable to make the play at home plate during the second inning of the game at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Philadelphia Phillies Hector Neris
Sep 15, 2020; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Hector Neris (50) reacts after getting final out during the ninth inning against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Hector Neris, RP

After a somewhat productive 2019 season, Hector Neris really struggled to even be useable in 2020. He posted a career-high 1.708 WHIP, and ultimately lost his closer job to the likes of Brandon Workman (who’s arguably the worst pitcher in Phillies history, btw).

If the Phillies want to have an average bullpen in 2021, Neris has to get back on track. His FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) was actually fairly impressive last year at a 2.50, which screams of a player not being as bad as their WHIP/ERA may suggest. This is good news for the Phillies, as it signals Neris is in fact primed for a far better 2021 campaign.

The recent additions of Archie Bradley and Jose Alvarado should also help out Neris a ton during the regular season, as it will allow some pressure to be taken off the right-hander during the end of ballgames. Neris could even be phased out of the closer spot entirely, since Bradley did operate in that role for the Diamondbacks in 2019.

Regardless of what role Neris ends up in this upcoming season, him returning to the 2019 version of himself (2.93 ERA, 1.020 WHIP) would be absolutely massive for the Phillies as they continue to rebuild their bullpen.

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