Phillies Expecting Major Production from Rookie Following Closer’s Exit

The Philadelphia Phillies enter the 2024 season with high hopes and a chance to win the World Series. After losing in the NLCS to the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2023, the expectation is for them to at least get back to the same spot they were in a season ago. 

Most of the same team will return in '24. Rhys Hoskins, who missed the '23 season with an ACL injury, signed with the Milwaukee Brewers. Craig Kimbrel played the role as the team's closer last year and he is now with the Baltimore Orioles. 

This leaves the Phillies with no set closer on the roster, which could become an issue. 

According to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com, Philadelphia could use another veteran bullpen arm, but they are high and believe rookie Orion Kerkering is going to have a big season. Zolecki also adds that after spending much of the year in Triple-A, the club believes Connor Brogdon and Andrew Bellatti will perform this season. 

A closer is just as important as any other position, if not the most important when it comes to pitching. In a tough division with the Atlanta Braves, New York Mets, and others, the Phillies have to be closing these games out. The division could come down to one game and constantly blowing leads in the 9th inning would put them in a tough spot throughout the season.

If it does become an issue, it seems safe to say that Dave Dombrowski will do what he needs to do. He has constantly shown that when a move is needed, he is willing to make that.