3 Phillies roster concerns we still have even after signing Trea Turner
By Tim Boyle
2) Phillies roster concern: The back, front, and middle of the bullpen
Bullpen issues have plagued this ball club for years. Finally, in 2022, it wasn’t a disaster. They had their problems, but it was clearly a major improvement.
The club has brought in Matt Strahm from the Red Sox already and should be on the lookout for more similar or even bigger moves. Seranthony Dominguez is a candidate to close, however, the Phillies would do themselves a huge favor by landing a backup plan. Currently, they don’t really have anyone with the right “stuff” to replace him if needed.
In free agency, Taylor Rogers is a “buy low” candidate to consider. He is another lefty for a bullpen that already has Strahm and Jose Alvarado throwing from that side. The easy solution is to trade Alvarado whose control remains an issue. Plus, with the lasting memory of Yordan Alvarez taking him yard in the World Series, he feels a bit more like Mitch Williams.
Aside from finding a secondary closer, there are other parts of the bullpen the team could improve. Christopher Sanchez is out of options and unless he’s working as the long man doesn’t have much of a spot on the roster. The Phillies will be putting a lot of trust into arms like Andrew Bellatti, Connor Brogdon, and Sam Coonrod if they don’t make another major addition.
The club will also take a look at Noah Song, a Rule 5 Draft pick they landed from Boston this week. He hasn’t pitched professionally since 2019 because of mandatory flight school training to become a Navy pilot. This could be a fun story to watch. Maybe he helps ease one of the Phillies roster concerns.