That Balls Outta Here
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3 Post-lockout moves the Phillies need to make immediately

By Gabrielle Starr

Oct 18, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Kyle Schwarber (18) flips the bat as he runs the bases after hitting a grand slam against the Houston Astros during the second inning of game three of the 2021 ALCS at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Kyle Schwarber (18) flips the bat as he runs the bases after hitting a grand slam against the Houston Astros during the second inning of game three of the 2021 ALCS at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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Philadelphia Phillies Archie Bradley
Sep 21, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Archie Bradley (23) receives the ball to pitch the sixth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

2. The Phillies need to sign another bullpen arm

The Phillies signed Corey Knebel right under the CBA expiration wire on December 1, but he alone cannot right the sinking ship that is their bullpen.

To recap, the 2021 bullpen tied the MLB record for blown saves in a single season, matching the 2004 Colorado Rockies, who set the original record with 34. The Washington Nationals overtook them and set a new record with 35, but it was an embarrassing aspect of the Phillies season nonetheless.

Knebel could assume the closer role now that Hector Neris has signed with the Houston Astros, but should he? He closed 77 games and earned 55 saves between 2017-2018, but hasn’t been used as a closer in more recent seasons. In 2021, he appeared in 27 games, but only closed three of them. This is in part because the Dodgers already had Kenley Jansen, who had a dominant season of his own before hitting free agency.

If the Phillies really want to go all-in when the lockout ends, they should sign a closer (like Jansen, perhaps) and keep Knebel as their short-term setup man (he only got a one-year deal). If not, they can re-sign Archie Bradley, who was solid for them in 2021.

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