Phillies interested in veteran reliever Jeremy Jeffress

The Philadelphia Phillies have been creative this offseason to overhaul their 2020 bullpen — such as acquiring Jose Alvarado and Sam Coonrod through trade; signing some low-risk arms to minor-league deals like Neftali Feliz and Michael Ynoa; and delving into the free-agent pool by signing notable veteran Archie Bradley.

The Dave Dombrowski-led organization may not be done just yet, and as NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Jim Salisbury reports, are “expected to continue to try to add more bullpen depth before spring training.” According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the Phillies are reportedly among “at least 10 teams” interested in 11-year right-handed veteran reliever Jeremy Jeffress.

Jeremy Jeffress had a strong 2020 season.

Currently a free-agent, the 33-year-old Virginia native most recently pitched for the Chicago Cubs in 2020. Spanning 22 appearances and 15 games finished, the right-hander posted a 1.54 ERA, 17-12 strikeouts-to-walks ratio, and 0.943 WHIP.

Earning four winning decisions, Jeffress surrendered just one home run and four earned runs overall. He was nominated for the National League Reliever of the Year Award this past October.

Jeffress began his career with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2010. He also pitched for the National League Central team in 2014-16 and 2017-19, as well as the Kansas City Royals (2011-12), Toronto Blue Jays (2013-14), and Texas Rangers (2016-17).

Jeremy Jeffress would give the Phillies another solid closer option in 2021.

Jeffress earned his first career All-Star nod in 2018. That season, he went an impressive 8-1 with a 1.29 ERA, 0.991 WHIP, and 89-27 strikeouts-to-walks ratio across 73 appearances, 24 games finished, 15 saves in 20 opportunities, and 76 2/3 innings.

The right-hander has recorded 52 career saves in 71 opportunities. If signed to the Phillies, Jeffress would join Hector Neris and Bradley as potential closer options for manager Joe Girardi and pitching coach Caleb Cotham.

Other National League East teams Feinsand identified to having “some level of interest” in Jeffress include the New York Mets — who were rumored last week to be interested in Brad Hand — as well as the Washington Nationals.