The Philadelphia Phillies are firmly entrenched in their pursuit of a World Series championship, but that doesn’t mean the front office isn’t looking beyond this season.
While the Phillies have most of their core pieces in place for years to come, their long-term success could be determined by the role players they surround their stars.
Keeping the bullpen intact has to be a priority, considering the problems the Phillies have had with their starting pitching. However, right-handers Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estevez are heading into free agency following the season.
Hoffman, an All-Star in 2024, has a 3-2 record with 10 saves and a 1.73 earned run average in 64 appearances this season. Estevez, who made the American League All-Star squad in 2023, is 3-2 with six saves and a 2.37 ERA in 18 games since his arrival from the Los Angeles Angels.
Losing one, or both of them, would be a tremendous setback for the Phils.
Should the Phillies have to restock the bullpen, St. Louis Cardinals reliever Andrew Kittredge is an enticing target.
Kittredge will be a free agent this winter and, according to FanSided’s Mark Powell, is expected to change jerseys this offseason.
“Kittredge has been dependable for the Cards this season, though he unfortunately will not get to pitch in the postseason,” Powell said. “He has a 2.92 ERA in 64 games pitched. If St. Louis can keep Kittredge at an affordable asking price, they will, but this team has too many holes to fill to spend that much money on relief pitching.”
The Phillies have plenty of stops before they make any decisions regarding next season, but when the time comes, Kittredge could be an important part of their thought process.
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