Philadelphia Phillies continue bullpen upgrade with Brandon Kintzler
By David Hill
The bullpen was the biggest Achilles’ Heel for the Philadelphia Phillies over the past two seasons. Despite an excellent offense, the Phillies were unable to reach the postseason, in large part because of the struggles of their relievers. Efforts to revamp the bullpen had been for naught, as the Phillies found themselves in the exact same situation heading into this offseason.
On Wednesday, Philadelphia brought in another piece. Brandon Kintzler has signed a minor league deal with the Phillies, turning down a major league offer from Miami to do so.
Brandon Kintzler, who was essentially the best reliever on 2 diff teams (Marlins/Cubs) the last 2 seasons, has signed a minor league deal with the Phillies, per a source. Kintzler turned down a ML offer to return to the Marlins but can make more in Philly if he makes the team.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) February 10, 2021
Brandon Kintzler a smart pickup for Philadelphia Phillies
Kintzler is not someone that is going to generate many headlines. He made the All Star Game just once in his 11 major league seasons, and is never going to be mentioned amongst the best relievers in the game. However, judging Kintzler on that criteria does not do him justice.
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He has been a solid pitcher throughout most of his career, serving in a variety of roles in the bullpen. Kintzler has posted a career 3.31 ERA and a 1.250 WHiP, striking out 313 batters with 121 walks in his 448.2 innings. Despite those relatively pedestrian strikeout numbers and a reliance upon the ground ball, he has been a solid closer, notching 61 saves.
Chances are, Kintzler will not be needed to handle the ninth inning. The Phillies have also brought in Archie Bradley, and Hector Neris is still on hand. However, Neris has yet to actually seize the closer spot for himself, and Bradley is not the most experienced closer. If nothing else, he gives the Phillies options.
And that is something that had been missing over the past couple of years. The Phillies were essentially forced to trot out the same players for a lack of other viable options. Now, they have far more depth in the bullpen, giving their relievers a chance to actually be productive in the upcoming season.
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Brandon Kintzler is not someone that will generate headlines. But he is a nice under the radar signing, someone that can drastically improve the Philadelphia Phillies bullpen in the coming year.