3. Sign a top closer
Having a closer-by-committee approach may have worked to an extent for Thomson and the Phillies, but it was not the best solution. Dombrowski acquired a proven closer in Carlos Estévez at the deadline.
José Alvarado, who entered the regular season as the team's best option to close games, became erratic during July. Thomson stuck with him longer than he should have by continuing to use him in late-inning situations.
Estévez and setup pitcher Jeff Hoffman are two free agent relievers who each have good chances of being with other clubs in 2025. If that is the case, the Phillies will be in the market to trade for or add a free agent reliever this winter.
Tanner Scott is one of the top relievers available. He is coming off a season in which he saved a career-high 22 games in 72 contests. The left-hander finished with a 1.75 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP in 72 innings pitched.
Clay Holmes lost the closer job for the Yankees in 2024. He finished with 30 saves in 43 opportunities. In 2023, he saved 24 games out of 27 chances. The reliever totaled 20 saves out of 25 opportunities in 2022. He may have just had a down season, considering that relievers can demonstrate tendencies to be erratic from year to year. The right-hander will have his share of suitors in free agency this winter.
If the Phillies do not sign or trade for a reliever with previous closing experience this offseason, Thomson should consider Orion Kerkering to fill the role. The 23-year-old impressed in the team's minor league system during 2023, spent mainly in High-A with the Jersey Shore BlueClaws and in Double-A with the Reading Fightin' Phils. He saved 14 out of 15 games successfully in the Minors before his promotion to Philly at the end of the regular season.
Kerkering finished the 2024 regular season with a 2.29 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP in 64 games. He was the only reliever to appear in all four contests during the NLDS. The Huntington Beach, California native did decent for the Phillies aside from allowing one home run in Game 2 versus the Mets. He totaled a 2.45 ERA and a 1.64 ERA in 3 2/3 innings.
The Phillies have work to do this winter to improve their roster. Their season began with promise, but they ultimately underachieved. The NL East may be more challenging in 2025. The Atlanta Braves may have better luck with health next year, and the Mets are more competitive sooner than anticipated.