Phillies: Sam Coonrod should be in consideration for the closer role

One of Dave Dombrowski’s first transactions upon being named president of the Philadelphia Phillies, RHP Sam Coonrod has turned into a rather effective relief option for Joe Girardi here in 2021. HIs fastball velocity ranks towards the top of baseball, and his box score numbers quite clearly reflect that.

After yet another successful outing last night against the Brewers, Coonrod’s ERA has now dropped down to 1.38 and his WHIP down to 0.675. He’s also struck out an eye-popping 17 batters in just 13.1 innings of work:

Not only does Coonrod have the lowest ERA/WHIP amongst all Phillies relievers, but he also possesses the pure “stuff” to excel in a more high-leverage role. His average fastball velocity currently sits at 99.6 MPH (with it touching as high as 101 MPH at times), and his slider typically clocks in at over 90 MPH.

More from Section 215

• 4 Eagles on the Bubble Who Have Clinched Their 53-Man Roster Spots
• Best Pennsylvania Sportsbook Promos: Win $650 GUARANTEED Bonus PLUS $100 off NFL Sunday Ticket
• 3 Punters the Eagles Must Target to Replace Arryn Siposs
• Cowboys Trey Lance Trade Proves How Screwed They Are With Dak Prescott
• Devon Allen Took Britain Covey’s Job on Eagles

Generally speaking, opposing hitters tend to really struggle keeping up with triple digits by the time the 9th inning rolls around. It’s no coincidence that teams all around baseball typically reserve the closer job for their hardest throwers.

The Phillies should explore moving Sam Coonrod into the closer role.

While Hector Neris – the Phillies current closer – hasn’t necessarily been “bad” this season (he’s actually been pretty solid), there’s still reason to believe that the team should be hunting to improve at the position. Even during Neris’ impressive 5-out save against the Brewers on Monday night, it was a rather stressful affair that had far too many baserunners attached to it.

Not only could the Phils benefit from potentially upgrading their closer spot just a tad, but it’s also been long rumored that Neris himself could benefit from a less stressful role operating as a setup man.

It’s also worth mentioning that Neris has wildly struggled with inconsistency throughout his major league career – his decent start to the 2021 season could quickly turn sour in a couple weeks. After all, this is a player coming off a 4.50+ ERA campaign last season.

While Coonrod doesn’t have any real major league experience closing down ballgames on a consistent basis, he’s 1/1 in save opportunities with the Phillies this season, and he’s already shown a rather intense side of himself that I think would work well in a more permanent 9th inning role.

Closing pitchers tend to have a bit of a “mean streak” to them, the type of players who aren’t scared to challenge opposing players with constant fastballs – and then mock them about it after a strikeout is recorded.

Ultimately speaking, it’s the simple fact that Coonrod possesses a 100+ MPH fastball that has me feeling good about his ability to operate as a shutdown 9th inning arm.

Despite a handful of external additions this past offseason, the Phillies bullpen continues to be a major problem for the team at the moment. While moving Coonrod out of a 7th/8th inning role and into a 9th inning role wouldn’t necessarily solve all of the team’s problems, it would take the organization one step closer towards having a playoff caliber ‘pen.