Phillies bullpen power rankings going into the 2024 season

No. 1: José Alvarado

José Alvarado looks to be the top candidate to open the season as the Phillies closer, as the team hasn't acquired a closer via trade or free agency. The Venezuela native converted 10 of 12 save opportunities successfully in 2023. He has been one of the top options to be used in the setup role for Philadelphia over the last few years.

The left-hander dealt with left elbow inflammation last year, which caused him to have two stints on the IL. In 42 contests, he had a 1.16 WHIP, 64 strikeouts, and a 1.74 ERA, which was the lowest of his career.

During the postseason, he finished with a 1.13 ERA, a 1.25 WHIP, and six strikeouts in eight innings. Alvarado was arguably the Phillies' most dependable reliever in late innings during the playoffs and should have been used in save opportunities for Philadelphia.

Steamer and ZiPS DC each have him finishing with the most saves of his career (22) during the 2024 season. Unless manager Rob Thomson declares Alvarado the closer during spring training or before the first game of the regular season, it remains a mystery as to what the skipper's approach will be to the situation.

It appears that Thomson may not name one reliever to be the closer and will go with a committee approach, at least to start the season. He may do this to take advantage of matchups or to see which reliever emerges as the best option to close games during the season.

Many of Alvarado's stats have improved year by year during his three seasons with Philadelphia. No matter the manager's approach to the situation, the left-hander has proven he can be relied upon in the setup role. However, he looks like the Phillies' best option to be the primary closer.