Shifts in the bullpen market might influence the Phillies’ objectives first appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia As the baseball community waits for Juan Soto’s choice and the subsequent impacts, the Mets took a noteworthy action on Friday night that could influence one of the Phillies’ ambitions, reportedly coming to terms on a three-year, $39 million […]
Shifts in the bullpen market might influence the Phillies’ objectives first appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
As the baseball community waits for Juan Soto’s choice and the subsequent impacts, the Mets took a noteworthy action on Friday night that could influence one of the Phillies’ ambitions, reportedly coming to terms on a three-year, $39 million deal with former Yankees closer Clay Holmes.
The Mets plan to utilize him as a starting pitcher, according to ESPN.
Holmes was among the leading relievers available on the free-agent market alongside Tanner Scott, Jeff Hoffman, and Carlos Estevez. The Phillies are not expected to retain both Hoffman and Estevez and might finish the offseason with just one significant relief signing.
Last season, bullpen depth was a key asset for the Phillies, particularly following the acquisition of Estevez from the Angels at the trade deadline. They had great confidence in four relievers down the stretch: right-handers Hoffman, Estevez, and Orion Kerkering, along with lefty Matt Strahm.
This trust level has been halved and will elevate the significance in 2025 of pitchers like Jose Alvarado, Tanner Banks, and Jose Ruiz.
Hoffman’s market is likely to be as appealing as Holmes’. Over 122 appearances in the past two seasons, the Phillies’ exceptional free-agent signing achieved a 2.28 ERA and 0.94 WHIP. Despite a poor NLDS performance that could impact some offers, Hoffman has established enough of a track record in the last two years to earn a substantial contract.
While Holmes may take on a starting role with the Mets, the contract he signed represents a realistic high-leverage reliever agreement and could set a standard for all of Hoffman, Estevez, and Scott.
Additionally, there are other closers who might be traded, particularly Milwaukee’s Devin Williams and St. Louis’ Ryan Helsley. Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the Cardinals’ willingness to trade Helsley, but they seem to be preparing for a rebuild or retooling, possibly considering an All-Star closer a luxury. Helsley is projected to earn around $7 million through arbitration before becoming a free agent after 2025.
Currently, the Phillies’ bullpen depth chart features Kerkering, Strahm, Alvarado, Ruiz, and Banks. They still have Max Lazar, Tyler Gilbert, Tyler Phillips, and Taijuan Walker, but all are likely to be at the end of the bullpen rather than in the fifth slot. The Phils also promoted prospects Mick Abel, Jean Cabrera, and Moises Chace to the 40-man roster last month to safeguard them from next week’s Rule 5 draft.
