As the Philadelphia Phillies look toward free agency this offseason to help revamp their roster for 2025, what better way to do so than to pursue candidates who are currently playing in the World Series?
After all, those players are fully Immersed in the winning culture from making it to the Fall Classic this year and would likely play their hearts out, hoping to return once again next season to have another shot at the ultimate prize.
5 players in the World Series who the Phillies should target in free agency
The rosters of the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers currently contain viable solutions to some of the Phillies’ needs. With the Phillies looking for bullpen and outfield help ahead of the 2025 season, we will take a look at five players in the World Series who Philadelphia should target this offseason in the free agent market to help bolster the chances of winning next year.
Clay Holmes
After spending years as a middle reliever, Clay Holmes was thrust into the closer’s role for the Yankees back in 2022 when star closer Aroldis Chapman went on the IL. Since then, he has developed into one of the premium closers in the game during the past three seasons.
During that time span, Holmes had maintained an ERA below 3.15 while registering 74 saves and striking out more than a batter per inning in the process. As a result of his consistent performance, he was also named an All-Star in two of the past three seasons.
Although Holmes uncharacteristically struggled during the latter half of 2024, which ultimately led to him losing his closer role for the final month of the season, he has redeemed himself a bit with a solid postseason. Taking away the last two playoff games that he has appeared in, Holmes has been literally unhittable during the postseason for his career.
In 14 career playoff games before Friday's Game 1 of the World Series, he has compiled a 2-1 record with a 1.72 ERA and 0.96 WHIP, giving up three earned runs with five walks and 14 strikeouts in 15 2/3 innings.
With the Phillies likely to lose Carlos Estévez in the upcoming free agency, along with the uncertainty about José Alvarado being able to take on the role effectively again in 2025, Holmes thus becomes a solid replacement as closer for the team next year.