The Philadelphia Phillies have been aggressive this off-season in improving their team for a successful 2023 season.
After going from the final wild-card spot to the World Series, this team is ready to make another run.
The big addition the Phillies made was signing shortstop Trea Turner to a massive contract.
Turner is the type of difference-maker that can help get the Phillies over the top.
But, another spot that needed to be addressed was the bullpen.
In the postseason the Phillies relied on the same few relievers to finish games for them.
But, they have added two new arms to their bullpen who should be able to help.
The first was Matt Strahm who can be used in a variety of roles, but most likely as a middle reliever.
Also, the Phillies decided to address their closer situation by signing one of the league’s best over the past decade.
Craig Kimbrel was signed to a one-year deal by the Phillies with the intention of him being the closer.
The Craig Kimbrel move fills the last big hole left on this Phillies roster. They’ve replaced what they’ve lost this offseason while adding a superstar SS and #3 SP
Now, they hope they get the good Kimbrel as he’s alternated dominant years and wild years since 2018, essentially
— Corey Seidman (@CSeidmanNBCS) December 24, 2022
Kimbrel spent last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers where he recorded 22 saves with a 3.75 ERA.
While the 34-year-old is not as dominant as he once was, he can still be an effective closer.
The other option for the Phillies at closer are Seranthony Dominguez or Jose Alvarado.
But, neither has as much experience in that role as Kimbrel.
The Phillies gave Kimbrel this contract with the intention of giving him the first crack at closer.
All they can hope is he turns back the clock and can provide the Phillies some stability in the back of their bullpen.
