No. 4: Seranthony Domínguez
Seranthony Domínguez has experience as a middle reliever, in the setup role, and as a closer over his five seasons in the majors — all with Philadelphia. The most save opportunities he had were during his rookie year in 2018 when he converted 16 of 20 saves.
Last year with the Phillies, he had a 5-5 record, a 3.78 ERA, 48 strikeouts, and a 1.40 WHIP in 50 innings throughout 57 regular season contests. He had a 4.84 FIP, an 8.64 K/9, a 3.96 BB/9, and a K/BB of 2.18.
“I want to spend the rest of my career with the Phillies. It’s the only family I’ve known.”
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) February 16, 2023
-Seranthony Dominguez on signing a 2 year contract with the Phillies. He says it doesn’t matter who closes. He wants to do whatever he can for the team. pic.twitter.com/RklA6D6WMe
ZiPS DC projects him to be involved in more win-loss decisions with an 8-7 record compared to Steamer's predicted record of 4-3. Domínguez's K/9 is predicted to be 10.21 according to ZiPS DC while Steamer projects him to finish with a 9.55 in this category.
Steamer has Domínguez finishing with a lower BB/9 of 3.81 than ZiPS DC's projection of 4.33. ZiPS DC has the reliever finishing with a 2.36 K/BB compared to Steamer's 2.51. Steamer has him finishing with a lower FIP (4.16) than ZiPS DC (4.24) and a WHIP of 1.31 compared to ZiPS DC's prediction of 1.35.
The Phillies appeared to not consider him to convert as many saves last year. He only had nine opportunities, his fewest of the three seasons in which he appeared in 50-plus contests. Domínguez only had two saves as they primarily relied on Kimbrel.
It is yet to be determined if anyone on the roster will emerge as the main option for the closer, with Kimbrel agreeing to a one-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles earlier this offseason. After his struggles in the ninth-inning role during recent seasons, Domínguez appears more suited for appearances in the sixth or seventh inning.
Domínguez blew seven saves last year, which is the highest of his career. The Dominican right-hander may be used occasionally as a setup pitcher or a closer, depending on injuries and the availability of other relievers.