Phillies add plenty of firepower in bullpen overhaul

The Philadelphia Phillies have been working to upgrade their bullpen over the offseason. They have definitely added more firepower.

The Philadelphia Phillies bullpen was a disaster in 2020. Over the course of their 186 innings, the Phillies’ relief corps posted a major league worst 7.06 ERA. Opponents had a .376 batting average against their bullpen when putting the ball in play, something that happened frequently as there was not a lot of firepower ready to be summoned. In fact, the bullpen did not have a single reliever that pitched more than 12 innings that averaged more than 94 MPH on their fastball.

As such, it was not a surprise that the team focused on upgrading their bullpen this offseason. That has happened to this point, as the Phillies revamped front office has brought in a trio of relievers – Sam Coonrod, Jose Alvarado, and Archie Bradley.

Not only should that trio improve the Philadelphia bullpen in 2021, but they will also bring the heat. Each of those relievers averaged over 94 MPH on their fastballs, with Coonrod leading the pack at 98 MPH.

There are still plenty of holes for the Phillies to fill. None of that trio really fits their need for a new closer, although Bradley and Alvarado have spent time in that role. That group also had their struggles in 2020, with Alvarado dealing with injuries and Coonrod being hit hard.

But there is also plenty of upside in this group. All three had strong years recently, although Alvarado has struggled with his command since the start of 2019. If they can fulfill their potential, the Phillies bullpen should be much better than it had been last season.

Such an improvement could make a major difference. Philadelphia had missed the postseason in 2020 due, in large part, to the struggles of their bullpen. Although the National League East promises to be quite competitive, these improvements could allow the Phillies to compete.

The Philadelphia Phillies have added some major firepower to their bullpen. They are hoping that leads to success in the coming year.