It has been over a week since Philadelphia Phillies pitchers and catchers reported to Clearwater for the start of spring training on Feb. 14. Expectations are high for a second consecutive season following the team's surprising run to the 2022 World Series.
We have already covered several noteworthy storylines for Phillies fans to pay attention to, with the regular season beginning in just over a month on March 28. From Johan Rojas' attempt to solidify the Opening Day center field job to Cristopher Sanchez's performance for the No. 5 starter role to the battle for the final bullpen spots, there's no lack of intrigue this spring.
Now that the rest of the ballclub has reported and games have started, there are more developments to follow.
Let's take a look at four more intriguing spring training storylines for the Phillies.
Which reliever(s) will win the battle for the job of Phillies closer?
Who will be the Phillies' primary closer this season? Will it be José Alvarado? Jeff Hoffman? Gregory Soto? Alvarado is listed as the closer, according to FanGraphs' Roster Resource. If manager Rob Thomson were to appoint one reliever for the role, it appears that it would be the left-hander.
It also appears that Thomson will consider using a closer-by-committee approach based on availability and matchups. Alvarado, Hoffman, Soto, Seranthony Domínguez, and Matt Strahm are the primary candidates who will receive opportunities for the position in the Phillies bullpen.
José Alvarado, Destroying the Side. pic.twitter.com/lSVASMFgTt
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 7, 2023
Previously during a guest spot on Feb. 7 SportsRadio 94 WIP Morning Show with Joe DeCamara and Jon Ritchie, the president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, mentioned how the organization feels about the capabilities of having a few relievers who can close games for them.
"I'm not sure coming out that we will have a designated closer," Dombrowski said. "I mean, Alvarado can close games, Soto's had over 30 saves, he can close games... Seranthony has closed games in the past... Hoffman has the ability to do that, I wouldn't even discount a guy like Kerkering closing some games.
"So, I think we're more of a club that looks at using a closer by if you want to say committee matchups more than you do just say this is a designated guy, but we feel we have a lot of guys that can close games."
Based on Dombrowski's comments and how Thomson approached the role last postseason by not naming a closer, the Phillies could begin the regular season by giving a few relievers extended looks at closing games. Someone may emerge to get more opportunities after the first month or quarter of the season.
It seems to be a spot that is very much undecided at this point so it's worth keeping an eye on during spring training Grapefruit League action.