Will the Bullpen Be the Phillies’ Downfall Again?

The Philadelphia Phillies are enjoying a commendable season, currently boasting a record of 37-24, positioning themselves just 1.5 games behind the New York Mets in the fiercely competitive National League East. With a roster replete with talent and playoff experience, the Phillies appear poised for a serious attempt at the World Series. However, there exists one significant issue that seems to persist: the bullpen.

In baseball terminology, the bullpen refers to the compilation of pitchers that a team employs, particularly in relief roles. At present, the Phillies’ bullpen holds an ERA of 4.65, ranking as the sixth worst in all of Major League Baseball. To provide context, they are situated alongside teams such as the Chicago White Sox and the Miami Marlins, organizations that are far from playoff contention and not even contemplating the World Series. For a team as gifted as the Phillies, this predicament represents a considerable concern.

This dilemma is not new. During the 2024 playoffs, the bullpen experienced a catastrophic breakdown. In their National League Division Series against the New York Mets, Phillies relievers recorded an abysmal ERA of 11.37. This collapse significantly contributed to their premature exit from the postseason.

A Closer Problem and Possible Trade Targets

Jordan Romano has assumed the role of closer for Philadelphia; however, he has struggled considerably, posting an ERA of 7.36. Without a dependable option to secure victories, the Phillies have squandered crucial leads.

Assistance may be on the horizon. Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski is recognized for his aggressive approach at the trade deadline, and the team is anticipated to pursue a new closer. Two notable candidates are Pete Fairbanks from the Tampa Bay Rays and Kyle Finnegan from the Washington Nationals.

Fairbanks currently possesses a commendable ERA of 2.05 and has successfully saved 10 of 11 games this season. He demonstrates exceptional velocity and has maintained consistency under pressure. Meanwhile, Finnegan, an All-Star in 2024, has converted 16 save opportunities, holds a 2.61 ERA, and has not surrendered a single home run throughout the year. Securing either pitcher would represent a substantial enhancement to the bullpen.

Even Jeff Passan of ESPN emphasized that the bullpen is the most pressing concern for Philadelphia as the trade deadline approaches. “Maybe it’s Pete Fairbanks. Maybe it’s Kyle Finnegan. Maybe it’s both,” Passan remarked. Essentially, the Phillies may need to fully commit to resolving this issue.

The Phillies possess all the requisite elements to contend for a championship. Their starting pitchers are formidable, their lineup demonstrates significant hitting power, and they possess invaluable playoff experience. Nevertheless, if the bullpen fails to improve, it could emerge as the singular vulnerability that hinders their quest for a World Series title.