Just In: Phillies anticipated to Trade for $26 Million All-Star Closer
There’s no compelling reason for the Phillies to not continue their momentum from the previous season, where they finished strong to win 90 games and secure the top wild card spot in the postseason.
This holds true even though their offseason activity was subdued, with the highlight being the retention of Aaron Nola on a seven-year, $172 million contract, which was a rarity given the scarcity of such long-term deals this offseason. Surprisingly, Dave Dombrowski chose to make minimal additional moves.
The Phillies will field a familiar lineup in 2024, with the notable departure of closer Craig Kimbrel, who has joined the Orioles. Despite his All-Star performance last season, which saw him end with a 3.26 ERA in 69.0 innings, many in Philadelphia will not miss him, especially after his losses in the NLCS Game 3 and blown save in Game 4.
While the Phillies are set to start the season with a closer-by-committee approach, it is expected that they will solidify the closer position as the season progresses, possibly before the MLB trading deadline. Bleacher Report even predicts that the Phillies may acquire experienced closer Kenley Jansen from the Red Sox.
Acquiring Kenley Jansen would solidify the Phillies’ closer position
The Phillies do have some promising options for the closer role going into the season. Left-hander Jose Alvarado impressed with a career-high 10 saves and a 1.74 ERA in 42 outings last year. Seranthony Dominguez is another strong candidate for closing situations. Jeff Hoffman showed promise as a setup man with his 5-2 record, 2.41 ERA, and 69 strikeouts in 52 innings and could also be considered for the closer role.
Additionally, Gregory Soto, who has prior closing experience from his time in Detroit, adds to the mix. However, the Phillies could eliminate uncertainties by pursuing a trade for Kenley Jansen, a move they were reportedly contemplating before the season began. Jansen, in the final year of a two-year, $32 million contract, has a solid track record of converting 108 out of 124 save opportunities over the past three seasons, boasting a conversion rate of 87%.
According to a recent article by B/R titled “Predicting Where Top Players Involved in MLB Trade Rumors Will Finish ’24 Season,” the Phillies are likely in the market for relief help, with Jansen being a potential target. While Jansen has faced criticism for occasional shakiness, his consistent save conversions make him an attractive option. With 70 saves in the last two seasons, Jansen surpasses any current Phillies pitcher in career saves (Gregory Soto has 53).
Various contenders may express interest in Jansen come the trade deadline, but Philadelphia appears to be actively seeking relief aid. Rumors have circulated about the Phillies possibly acquiring Jansen even before the season kicks off, but it seems they will assess their current bullpen options in Soto, José Alvarado, and Seranthony Domínguez before deciding on a significant move.
The Factor of Orion Kerkering
One player generating significant attention is Orion Kerkering, the promising prospect potentially destined to become the team’s future closer. Kerkering, who appeared in three games last season before featuring in seven postseason matches after starting the season in Single-A, has caught the eye of the Phillies. While the team aims to be cautious with Kerkering’s development, they acknowledge the possibility of him assuming the closer role sooner rather than later, should he prove his readiness.
At just 22 years old, Kerkering reflects on his experiences from the previous season, emphasizing how his exposure to high-pressure situations at a young age sets him apart from his peers. Looking ahead, Kerkering remains focused and determined, stating, “I’ve been in some of the most crucial moments at a relatively young age in recent memory, so I understand the significance of my presence. I’ll continue to build on that momentum and embrace the opportunities that come my way.”
