The Philadelphia Phillies bullpen may look different in 2025 based on offseason decisions. A bullpen shakeup is possible as the Phillies have two key free agents, Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez. Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski indicated during the end-of-season press conference that at least one will not be re-signed according to MLB.com reporter Todd Zolecki. Hoffman has become one of the top relief pitchers in baseball since joining the Phillies in 2023.
Cost may prevent the Phillies from keeping Hoffman even though they should keep him. Estévez, who the Phillies acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Angels, could be re-signed as well. However, if the Phillies cannot re-sign, Hoffman should be kept.
Offseason Overhaul Ahead for Phillies’ Relief Corps
In 2024, the Phillies bullpen had a 30-24 record with a 3.94 ERA and went 37 for 56 in save situations. Furthermore, the Phillies bullpen recorded 582 strikeouts. Estévez became the Phillies primary closer after the trade. In 20 outings with the Phillies, Estévez had a 3-2 record, along with a 2.57 ERA and six saves. Estévez had a 3.83 FIP and blew two saves with the Phillies. If the Phillies re-sign Estévez, he would presumably hold onto the closer role. Meanwhile, Hoffman had a 3-3 record with a 2.17 ERA and 10 saves in 68 appearances.
Hoffman recorded a 2.52 FIP as well as having 21 holds and three blown saves. Whichever one stays, if at least one of them re-signs with the Phillies, will be in contention to close. Both leaving could also happen.
Closer Role
Phillies manager Rob Thomson has primarily used a closer-by-committee system. That should change in 2025. Bringing in a true closer will help the Phillies bullpen tremendously. Matt Strahm should be considered, especially if Hoffman and Estévez leave in free agency. Strahm had a 6-2 record with a 1.87 ERA and three saves in 66 games.
Additionally, Strahm had a 2.29 FIP and 18 holds. Strahm recorded six blown saves, which is a concern. Given the internal options, it is reasonable to think if the Phillies bring in a true closer, it will be through a free-agent signing or a trade. There are good candidates for the role of free agency and players who might be available in a trade.
José Alvarado, who started the 2024 season as the closer, is a likely trade candidate. Alvarado had a 2-5 record with a 4.09 ERA and 13 saves in 66 outings this season. To add Alvarado had a 3.80 FIP and three blown saves this season. Alvarado regressed compared to 2023. That season, Alvarado had a 0-2 record with a 1.74 ERA and 10 saves in 42 appearances. Alvarado had 11 holds and two blown saves with a 2.41 FIP in 2023. In 2024, Alvarado saw his strikeout-to-walk rate drop to 2.25 after having a 3.56 strikeout-to-walk rate in 2023. Alvarado is under contract through the 2025 season with a club option for 2026. Trading Alvarado is the best move for him and the team. Alvarado could use a change of scenery to get back on track.
Potential Additions
Matt Gelb of The Athletic notes New York Yankees relief pitcher Clay Holmes as a potential candidate to sign with the Phillies in free agency. Holmes had a 3-5 record with a 3.14 ERA while recording 3o saves in 67 games. An All-Star this season, Holmes was removed from the closer role because of having 13 blown saves. The Phillies should consider signing Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Blake Treinen. The right-hander had a 7-3 record with a 1.93 ERA and one save in 50 outings this season.
Treinen had a 3.00 FIP and 16 holds this season. Treinen has had an ERA under 2.00 and a WHIP under 1.00 in his last three seasons. It is worth mentioning Treinen missed the entire 2023 season.
A trade with the Milwaukee Brewers for closer Devin Williams is also possible. Williams has a club option for 2025 and is under team control through next season. While limited due to injuries in 2024, Williams had a 1-0 record with a 1.25 ERA and a 2.06 FIP in 22 appearances. Williams recorded 14 saves this season. In 2023 Williams had an 8-3 record with a 1.53 ERA and a 2.66 FIP with 36 saves in 61 games. Last offseason, the Brewers traded Corbin Burnes to the Baltimore Orioles as he headed into his last year of team control. Williams being traded is a possibility. The Phillies should inquire about a trade for Williams if the Brewers decide to trade him this offseason.
Main Photo Credits: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
