The Philadelphia Phillies have long struggled to find their closer at the back of the bullpen. Earlier in the season, it was thought that Jose Alvarado might be able to take on the role and thrive. After getting off to a hot start and looking like he could be the answer to their problems, he was suspended for 80 games. The suspension will keep him out for the majority of the season and make him ineligible for the postseason.
Free Agent signing Jordan Romano also showed flashes of potential in the role. After early struggles, Romano went on a run that showed he could return to the all-star capabilities that he showed in Toronto. Romano has been inconsistent since then, and he is unable to be trusted in such a pivotal role at this time.
On June 16th in the ninth inning against the Marlins, Rob Thomson called upon a 24-year-old pitcher who had never gotten a save in his MLB career. Orion Kerkering began warming up in preparation for the big moment. Kerkering has been a steady pitcher toward the back end of the bullpen for a couple of years now.
Kerkering has long been viewed as a potential closer with his upper-90s fastball and wipe-out slider. It took 98 appearances before he earned his first save, and it could turn out to be a major moment for this Phillies team. If Kerkering can be a contributor on the level many believe he is capable of, it could make the Phillies an even bigger force in the playoffs.
Dave Dombrowski has been trying to solidify the bullpen since he got to Philadelphia in 2020. Ian Kennedy was acquired from the Rangers at the 2021 trade deadline, but that wasn’t very successful. Corey Knebel was signed in the 2022 off-season class. He was out of the league following that season. Brandon Workman and David Hale were acquired from Boston at the 2020 trade deadline. Their names still bring nightmares to those around Philadelphia.
Craig Kimbrel was signed in the 2023 off-season, and he was believed to be the answer. After having a decent regular season, he collapsed in the postseason. Kimbrel was older, but he was the signing that gave the Phillies the most hope. After not achieving the success they had hoped for, they have continued their search.
Other players who have closed a game for the Phillies in the last five seasons include:
An utterly disgusting list that hasn’t had any successful back-end bullpen guys that have been given an opportunity because of how bad the closer situation has been. The Phillies have had other close games, but the point is clear. The Phillies need a closer, and they know it.
Kerkering has shown incredible flashes in his young major league career. His slider is one of the best seen around the league, and if he can learn how to utilize his fastball properly, he is a closer in this league. The Phillies’ struggles to find a closer are real. The bullpen seems to be a priority at every trade deadline and off-season.
The Phillies have tried so many different options at the back of the bullpen, but none have seemingly been able to stick. If Kerkering can finally be the answer in Philadelphia, he can elevate this team to even higher heights. Kerkering, at only 24 years of age, could be the answer at closer for many years to come. The Phillies may not only have their new closer in 2025, but they may also have their closer for the next decade.
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