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Filling out the Phillies bullpen with David Robertson on board

By John Town

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 09: David Robertson #30 of the New York Yankees throws a pitch against the Boston Red Sox during the sixth inning in Game Four of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium on October 09, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 09: David Robertson #30 of the New York Yankees throws a pitch against the Boston Red Sox during the sixth inning in Game Four of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium on October 09, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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With the addition of David Robertson and other relievers this offseason, what does the Phillies bullpen now look like heading into the 2019 season?

The Phillies announced the signing of veteran reliever David Robertson Thursday. The 33-year-old righty will make $23 million over the next two seasons with a $12 million club option (and two million-dollar buyout) in 2021, per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.

With Robertson now on board, Philadelphia’s bullpen looks really good on paper. They picked up Juan Nicasio, James Pazos, and Jose Alvarez in various trades earlier this offseason and have their entire staff from last year coming back. How will things shake out before the season opens?

The first question on everyone’s mind is if Robertson will be the closer next year. Robertson said that he is fine pitching whatever inning necessary at the end of games. Todd Zolecki of MLB.com stated that he expects Robertson and Seranthony Dominguez to split the save opportunities. Those two will be the first up whenever the team is in a high-leverage situation.

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What the team decides to do with their setup men will be interesting. Between last year’s staff and the new acquisitions, they have a lot of options. Some combination of Nicasio, Pat Neshek, Tommy Hunter, and Victor Arano is likely.

Looking at their lefties, Adam Morgan is likely on thin ice. Both Alvarez and Pazos had significantly better years and have better track records as relievers than Morgan.

The only thing that may keep Morgan in the bullpen is the last option year that Pazos has. Otherwise, his time as a Phillie may be over.

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Any remaining spots in the bullpen will be fought over by Hector Neris, Yacksel Rios, Edubray Ramos, Austin Davis, and whichever starters can’t crack the rotation. With all the new acquisitions, the bullpen is now overflowing with options.

Given the new surplus of relievers, the team now has depth to trade from. Neshek and Hunter were reportedly on the trading block earlier this offseason. General manager Matt Klentak said that the team is “open” to dealing a reliever, but they aren’t pursuing it as of now.

With all the new relievers in tow, the bullpen is now looking significantly better than last year.

Next. Philadelphia will give Harper, Machado best offers. dark

They have proven options all the way down to the last man, which bodes well for this season.

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