The Philadelphia Phillies faced yet another heartbreaking loss, marking their sixth blown save of the season, which places them at the bottom of the league for relievers' performance. After holding a 4-1 lead against the Miami Marlins, the Phillies' bullpen faltered, leading to a 7-5 extra-inning defeat. Their relievers' ERA is among the worst in the league, with only three out of eight boasting an ERA+ above 100. Manager Rob Thomson remains optimistic about the potential of his bullpen despite the early struggles, acknowledging the need for improvement.

Particular concern arises around relievers Orion Kerkering, Jordan Romano, and Joe Ross, who have struggled under high-pressure situations. Specifically, Kerkering surrendered three runs in a recent outing, while Romano's declining velocity raises red flags about his effectiveness as they navigate through this challenging stretch. The inconsistent nature of bullpens means things could turn around quickly, but urgent adjustments may be necessary for the Phillies to stay competitive in the NL East.

In the 2025 fantasy baseball season, targeting saves is crucial for constructing a competitive team. The article highlights ten relief pitchers, including top closers and potential breakout candidates. Key players include Josh Hader, who boasts impressive strikeout rates and durability, making him a prime target. Other significant mentions are Trevor Megill, who's stepping up for the Milwaukee Brewers, and Jeff Hoffman, who returns to the Blue Jays as their closer. Speculative plays like Orion Kerkering from the Phillies are also discussed, emphasizing the importance of assessing injury risks and role changes.

Andrés Muñoz and Jhoan Duran are highlighted for their potential as elite closers. Tanner Scott is expected to lead save opportunities for the Dodgers, while David Bednar is seen as a bounce-back candidate. Lastly, Mason Miller, despite being on the Athletics, has shown dominant performances that merit attention. A strategic approach to selecting these pitchers can significantly enhance a fantasy team's chances for success.

The Philadelphia Phillies are navigating a quiet offseason, reflecting on a disappointing playoff exit last year. With high hopes heading into the postseason, the Phillies fell short, winning only one game against the New York Mets in the NLDS. Major issues, particularly in the outfield and a struggling bullpen, were significant factors in their early exit from the playoffs. Although changes have been limited, the organization did make an important addition to their bullpen by signing Jordan Romano from the Toronto Blue Jays.

While the Phillies faced free agency losses with two relief pitchers, they have made moves to revamp their bullpen without a significant overhaul of their outfield. With Jeff Hoffman reportedly signing with the Blue Jays, there remains interest in Carlos Estevez, who is still available in the free agency market. Estevez has been identified as a strategic fit for the Arizona Diamondbacks, who are also looking to bolster their bullpen. The Diamondbacks recently signed Corbin Burnes, indicating their ambitions for the upcoming season.

Despite the changes, the Phillies should consider retaining Estevez to strengthen their bullpen. With Romano as the new closer, the Phillies will rely on Orion Kerkering in high-leverage situations, an important yet challenging role for a young player. The franchise aims to compete effectively in the National League, making the retention of Estevez a worthwhile consideration as they look to enhance their competitive edge.

The Philadelphia Phillies are likely finished making significant additions to their Major League roster this offseason, as they appear to be shifting their focus towards depth at their Triple-A affiliate. Despite fans' frustrations over playoff performances in recent years, the team's current roster is still viewed as competitive enough to contend for a World Series title. However, the bullpen remains a notable concern, particularly after the acquisition of Jesus Luzardo, which addressed previous rotation issues.

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Orion Kerkering is projected to take on the closer role, despite having faced challenges in save situations during his rookie year. The long relief positions are expected to feature Joe Ross, Jose Ruiz, and Taijuan Walker, with Walker likely transitioning into a bullpen role due to competition for rotation spots. Meanwhile, the backend of the bullpen will include Matt Strahm, Jordan Romano, Jose Alvarado, and Tanner Banks, with Strahm potentially serving as a versatile option for high-pressure situations.

Overall, the Phillies are not expected to pursue high-profile relief options, which places the onus on existing players to improve or rebound from previous seasons. The organization is banking on these players to step up, as they navigate a bullpen that lacks established star power.

The Philadelphia Phillies are exploring options this offseason, having only signed reliever Jordan Romano from the Toronto Blue Jays thus far. Surprisingly, they did not engage with Juan Soto, who instead joined their rivals, the New York Mets.

With a need for relief help and trade discussions surrounding players like Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox, the Phillies are under pressure to enhance their roster. Speculation includes a potential trade for Kyle Tucker of the Houston Astros, who had an impressive season.