Phillies: Closer Cody Allen should become a top target next winter

Next offseason, the Philadelphia Phillies have a chance to add more talent to a rising roster. One of the best available names in free agency is current Cleveland Indians closer Cody Allen. The Phillies should make him a top target.

A reliable closer is necessary for building a winning baseball club. Though some have survived without an elite name at the back of the bullpen, the Philadelphia Phillies would be wise to upgrade this role next offseason.

Fortunately, Cody Allen may become available. The long-tenured Cleveland Indians closer is a free agent after the upcoming season. He also happens to be someone I think the Phillies should prioritize.

We saw the Phillies make tremendous strides in building a highly-talented bullpen this winter. Pat Neshek returned on his own accord after an All-Star first half with them last year before his trade to the Colorado Rockies. Tommy Hunter has also joined the Phillies as they embark upon the final stage of a rebuild. Both are under contract next year as well when Philadelphia should go out and add Allen.

Current closer Hector Neris is an excellent pitcher, but not someone who should block the Phillies from making a move. He’s better suited as a setup man anyway. Imagine, if the Phillies acquired Allen they could then have three outstanding relievers in the middle and late innings. All they would need is one terrific lefty, and the Phillies may steal a few extra games with their relief corps.

Allen could slip away from the Indians rather easily, too. They aren’t an organization known for spending big over an extended period. Considering they already have money allocated to other stars and others expecting raises in the coming seasons, letting their closer leave is understandable.

Since his official rookie season in 2013, Allen has never finished a season with an ERA over 2.99. He has always struck out at least 11 batters per nine and most important of all, stays healthy. Year in and year out Allen remains on the field for the Indians. He is as consistent as closers come.

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Even with an impressive track-record, I don’t foresee Allen earning the same type of money as Kenley Jansen, Aroldis Chapman, or Wade Davis. He should, however, earn a good amount. It also helps that he’ll open the 2019 season at a relatively young 30-years-old.

The Phillies don’t have many other closer options internally. We should get a better glimpse at what Neris can do long-term in 2018. As solid as he has been, I still prefer him pitching in the seventh or eighth inning.

Signing a closer may not look like the next step for the Phillies. To that argument, I wonder what else they need more.

Assuming they do land one significant free agent and make a trade for another star player, there isn’t much else the Phillies could use. They have enough young talent to make a strong push at contention.

Next: Top 10 Rookie-eligible Philly prospects for 2018

Rather than letting the closer spot become a weakness, the Phillies need to add a known commodity now before they run out of choices.