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Phillies: 10 veteran relievers to target in free agency

By George Stockburger

PHOENIX, AZ - SEPTEMBER 22: Adam Ottavino #0 of the Colorado Rockies pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the eighth inning of an MLB game at Chase Field on September 22, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - SEPTEMBER 22: Adam Ottavino #0 of the Colorado Rockies pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the eighth inning of an MLB game at Chase Field on September 22, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 27: Closing pitcher Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Boston Red Sox pitches in the ninth inning in Game Four of the 2018 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 27: Closing pitcher Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Boston Red Sox pitches in the ninth inning in Game Four of the 2018 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Craig Kimbrel

While the Phillies would love to add a big time closer, I don’t think Craig Kimbrel is a realistic option nor is he on the team’s radar. Philadelphia has much bigger needs than a superstar closer who is coming off a World Series win in Boston.

Phillies fans know Kimbrel well after watching him develop in Atlanta for five years. Some think Kimbrel would go back to Atlanta this offseason to help them repeat as National League East champions, while returning to Boston makes all the sense in the world.

The Phillies have paid big time closers when the team was on the cusp of a dynasty, but right now they’re far from being a dynasty. While Kimbrel would be welcomed to Philadelphia with open arms, he’s not what the team needs right now.

David Robertson

It’s hard to see the Yankees not retaining David Robertson, but if they decide to move on the Phillies can certainly be a player for him. While never consistently being an all-star Robertson is the steady middle to late inning reliever Philadelphia needs.

Since 2011 Robertson has never had an ERA above 3.50 and in 2017 he kept it below two for the White Sox and Yankees.

More than 90% of Robertson’s career appearances have come in the seventh inning or later. He’s primarily worked in the eighth inning, potentially giving the Phillies the setup man they need in front of Seranthony Dominguez.

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