The Philadelphia Phillies' bullpen has been a mixed bag in 2025, with two distinct units emerging at different points in the season. The team's early-season bullpen was marked by inconsistency and poor performances from pitchers such as Jordan Romano, while the late-inning relief corps, led by Jhoan Duran, was much more effective.
Duran, who was acquired at the trade deadline, was a dominant force in the Phillies' bullpen, boasting a lights-out 3.75 ERA and 10.2 strikeouts per nine innings. He will return for another season under contract through 2028.
Several other key relievers are expected to be back with the team next year, including Orion Kerkering, Tanner Banks, Matt Strahm, and Max Lazar. Kerkering, a late-inning righty, will look to bounce back from an errant postseason throw in the playoffs, while Banks, a left-handed specialist, is under team control until 2029.
The Phillies are also expected to re-sign Matt Strahm, who had his option exercised for 2026. Lazar, meanwhile, may not make the team out of spring training if the Phillies add free agent relievers, but he has minor league options and could be a useful asset in the bullpen.
However, two key players will likely be decided on as free agents: José Alvarado and David Robertson. Alvarado, who was the team's best reliever early in the season before serving an 80-game suspension for steroid use, will have a $9 million team option with a $500,000 buyout. The Phillies may decide to re-sign him, but his off-field issues are a significant concern.
Robertson, meanwhile, returns from another stint with the team and pitched decently over 17.2 innings in the postseason. However, he will be 41 next season, which makes it unlikely that the Phillies will want to keep him on at such a high price.
The other relievers on the list include Seth Johnson, Tim Mayza, Lou Trivino, Jordan Romano, and Joe Ross, but all of these players have already been largely written off for next year due to poor performances.
Overall, the Phillies' bullpen is likely to be improved in 2026, with Duran and several other key pitchers returning. However, Alvarado's suspension and Robertson's age may make it a challenge to keep both of them on the roster.
Duran, who was acquired at the trade deadline, was a dominant force in the Phillies' bullpen, boasting a lights-out 3.75 ERA and 10.2 strikeouts per nine innings. He will return for another season under contract through 2028.
Several other key relievers are expected to be back with the team next year, including Orion Kerkering, Tanner Banks, Matt Strahm, and Max Lazar. Kerkering, a late-inning righty, will look to bounce back from an errant postseason throw in the playoffs, while Banks, a left-handed specialist, is under team control until 2029.
The Phillies are also expected to re-sign Matt Strahm, who had his option exercised for 2026. Lazar, meanwhile, may not make the team out of spring training if the Phillies add free agent relievers, but he has minor league options and could be a useful asset in the bullpen.
However, two key players will likely be decided on as free agents: José Alvarado and David Robertson. Alvarado, who was the team's best reliever early in the season before serving an 80-game suspension for steroid use, will have a $9 million team option with a $500,000 buyout. The Phillies may decide to re-sign him, but his off-field issues are a significant concern.
Robertson, meanwhile, returns from another stint with the team and pitched decently over 17.2 innings in the postseason. However, he will be 41 next season, which makes it unlikely that the Phillies will want to keep him on at such a high price.
The other relievers on the list include Seth Johnson, Tim Mayza, Lou Trivino, Jordan Romano, and Joe Ross, but all of these players have already been largely written off for next year due to poor performances.
Overall, the Phillies' bullpen is likely to be improved in 2026, with Duran and several other key pitchers returning. However, Alvarado's suspension and Robertson's age may make it a challenge to keep both of them on the roster.
is just like politics - you gotta have the right players on your team or you'll be getting blown out in the playoffs 
. I mean, think about it, if Jordan Romano's performance was as inconsistent as some politicians' voting record, how did he even make it to the deadline? 
And now they're bringing in Jhoan Duran who's like a fresh face - all energy and excitement! 
But then you got players like Alvarado who are still riding the scandal train 
, it's hard to know what to believe. And Robertson, well he's like the veteran politician - still trying to make it work but the writing's on the wall 
. The Phillies need to find a balance between experience and youth, just like how politicians need to balance their own agendas with the greater good 
. Can they do it? Only time will tell! 
They gotta make some tough decisions, especially with Alvarado's past and Robertson's age. Can't just go on autopilot next year 
. Jhoan Duran is like a breath of fresh air - his performance in the late innings has been insane! 3.75 ERA and 10.2 Ks/9? No wonder he's got that long contract. 
. His suspension is a big concern, especially since it happened during his prime years. If he can stay healthy and out of trouble off the field, I think he'll still be a valuable asset. But if not... that $9 million team option might not be enough to keep him around.
. robertson's age is def a concern too, he can't be that much older than duran right? 
but for real though, the Phillies' bullpen situation is pretty interesting. i mean duran's stats are straight fire 
and it's great to hear he'll be back next year. but Alvarado's past issues are a major concern 
... I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens with these guys.
and david robertson might not make the cut tho, his age is def a factor 
but lets be real, duran will carry the team on his back again 
can't wait for 2026!!! 
