Dave Dombrowski, the president of baseball operations for the Philadelphia Phillies, stated during his year-end news conference that he didn’t think the team needed to add a star closer to overcome the adversity and win a World Series.
There hasn’t been any evidence this offseason that Dombrowski’s viewpoint has altered. The organization isn’t in the market for Josh Hader, a free agency closer with a Hall of Fame future, according to numerous sources. As a matter of fact, Dombrowski hinted that the Phillies would probably sign a one-year reliever, meaning they would also be eliminated from consideration for Robert Stephenson and Jordan Hicks.
Craig Kimbrel is unlikely to play another season for the Phillies after the catastrophic note his postseason run finished on. Despite his disappointing 2023 season, Kimbrel made the most appearances of any bullpen for the Phillies this past season—71—as a member of the organization. It makes logical to replace Kimbrel, who earned around $10 million in 2023, with another reliever.
With Jeff Hoffman, Matt Strahm, José Alvarado, Seranthony Domínguez, Gregory Soto, and others locked into bullpen roles, it’s likely that Orion Kerkering will be required to pitch a sizable portion of innings in his first complete MLB season. These veterans appear to be talented and could be added to the group in the arm barn.
Neris signed a two-year, $17 million contract with the Houston Astros in free agency following the 2021 season, having played his first eight seasons with the Phillies.
Then, in a stunning change of events, Neris and the Astros won the 2022 World Series against the Phillies. Throughout the duration of the agreement, Neris recorded 141 appearances with a 2.69 ERA and 3.10 FIP.
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