If you asked people to name weaknesses of the 2025 Phillies, most of them would probably lead with the bullpen. It’s hard to argue otherwise: Jose Alvarado is suspended, Jordan Romano, Matt Strahm, and Orion Kerkering have had their share of shaky moments, and the rotating cast at the back of the roster have not filled fans with much confidence.
I have been less convinced that this is a fatal flaw, because:
- It seems inevitable that the Phillies will make a deadline trade for at least one more reliever
- It is likely that among the group of Cristopher Sanchez, Ranger Suarez, Jesus Luzardo, and Mick Abel, at least two of them will be serving in relief roles come playoff time.