What to make of the new-look Philadelphia Phillies bullpen

Craig Kimbrel and Gregory Soto are among the key 2022-23 Phillies offseason acquisitions.

The Philadelphia Phillies recently bolstered their bullpen by acquiring two-time All-Star Gregory Soto from the Detroit Tigers. The hard-throwing reliever was a huge acquisition, as he provides the Phillies heating fastball north of 100 miles per hour, and a slight edge to the bullpen that lacked some depth for much of the World Series against the Houston Astros. Last year, Soto registered 60 innings pitched and a 3.28 ERA. Who is to say that he can't throw better heading into the new season?

The Phillies not only brought in Soto, but also Craig Kimbrel — yet another marquee name, Kimbrel has become ingrained in MLB for the better part of 12 years. Throughout his time, he has pitched for the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Baseball-Reference projects Kimbrel to throw a 3.54 ERA, 10.5 SO/9, and 14 saves next season.

Among Dave Dombrowski's goals in Philadelphia has been to develop a strong bullpen. After all, the Phillies did not have as good of a bullpen as the Houston Astros in the 2022 World Series, which is why their relievers — especially José Alvarado and Seranthony Domínguez — must return stronger and better.

Currently, it would be difficult to deny that the division-rival New York Mets do not have a good bullpen themselves — given they have the best closer of Major League Baseball, Edwin Díaz, along with Adam Ottavino and former Phillie David Robertson.

If the Phillies want to make some noise, they will want to make it loud and clear that they can compete with the very best — whether it is Houston or New York — and win a World Series. That is the goal, is it not?