3 free agents who can still bolster Phillies bullpen after Josh Hader chose Astros

Hector Neris

The former Phillie is one of the top relievers remaining following Hader's deal with the Astros. If Philadelphia is looking for another experienced pitcher to add to its bullpen, it should consider adding Hector Neris if he and the club can work out a deal.

As a closer, Neris has been a bit hit-and-miss during his career, as he has converted 89 of 120 save opportunities. He appeared to be in a better situation during his previous two seasons with the Astros. The club didn't use the 34-year-old as its primary option in the ninth inning. He's coming off of one of his finest seasons, posting a 1.71 ERA last year, the lowest of his 10-year career in the majors.

As a setup man or an option to be used in the sixth or seventh innings, the Phillies should pursue Neris. The reliever has also gained experience pitching in the postseason with the Astros — he was a member of Houston's championship team that defeated Philadelphia in the 2022 World Series.

Wandy Peralta

After struggling early in his career with the Reds, Wandy Peralta improved during his tenure with the San Francisco Giants. He has performed even better during his two-and-a-half seasons with the Yankees.

Following his struggles to maintain an ERA of around three runs, Peralta has posted an ERA of 2.95, 2.72, and 2.83 in consecutive seasons with New York. He has only converted 13 of his 26 save opportunities during his career, which isn't good. However, he has not been used as a closer that often throughout his eight-year career.

Peralta represents a reliever the Phillies could sign to an affordable contract to help bolster their bullpen. He represents a good option for Thomson to use before the eighth or ninth innings in close games where Philadelphia has a lead. The left-hander could also be used in the setup role. Coming off one of the best years of his career in the majors, the Phillies could add a decent reliever in the 32-year-old left-hander.

More Philadelphia Phillies news and analysis