Expect the Philadelphia Phillies to add these relievers to the bullpen
By Tim Boyle
The Philadelphia Phillies bullpen has been a nightmare for several seasons. This past October, if you didn’t go out dressed as a Phillies reliever for Halloween, were you even really trying?
On the topic of trying, the Phillies did take the first step toward bettering their bullpen. They signed free agent Corey Knebel to a one-year deal with many expecting him to take over as the team’s closer in 2022. I’m not so sure I’m especially excited about this because Knebel hasn’t been a true closer for several seasons.
However, with this addition, the Phillies may have shown their hands. It could be a hint as to what the Phillies add next to their bullpen.
Expect the Phillies to sign at least one other former closer this winter
Knebel wasn’t the only free agent reliever with closer experience on the market. Several still remain with plenty of other non-closer options out there as well.
Of course, the Phillies aren’t stuck with the free agent crop. They could also make a trade, but with so few pieces to deal away, it makes a lot more sense for them to try to find a solution by simply paying guys money.
Building a good bullpen isn’t easy—I think that’s the official slogan of the Phillies. It’s a question the front office has failed at multiple times with some, like the David Robertson signing, failing because of an injury.
This winter, it would be nice if the Phillies go a little overboard on this mission. In free agency alone, there are a couple of guys they could turn to with closer experience to help possibly make for a competition for the ninth inning or supply an alternative to Knebel.