Phillies Revamp Pitching Staff Ahead of 2025 Season

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The Philadelphia Phillies made significant changes to their pitching staff this offseason as they prepare for the 2025 season. After recognizing a gap in their starting rotation and bullpen, the team acquired left-handed pitcher Jesus Luzardo through a trade, filling the position left vacant by Taijuan Walker. The offseason moves aim to optimize the roster ahead of opening day.

The Phillies’ bullpen faced challenges with the impending free agency of veteran pitchers Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estevez. Luzardo, who was traded from the Miami Marlins, is expected to take on a pivotal role in the rotation. Despite a strong spring performance from Walker, he has been relegated to a bullpen position as the team solidifies its starting lineup.

Moreover, the team signed former closer Jordan Romano to bolster relief options, alongside pitcher Joe Ross. The emergence of Orion Kerkering, who is being eyed for high-leverage situations, indicates a strategic shift within the organization’s pitching dynamics.

While some analysts criticized the Phillies for their relatively quiet approach in free agency, the acquisition of Luzardo, which involved parting with top prospect Starlyn Caba, has stirred discussion among fans and commentators. Many have speculated whether the team should have pursued other free agents, such as veteran pitcher Kyle Gibson, who recently returned to the Texas Rangers.

Gibson had a successful prior stint with the Phillies and was regarded as a reliable starter throughout the 2024 season, finishing with a 5.06 ERA and 205 strikeouts in 236.2 innings pitched. Teams were surprised by his prolonged time as a free agent, especially given his proven track record and absence of qualifying offer restrictions.

Meanwhile, the Phillies also made headlines by optioning pitcher Michael Mercado to their minor league team as they finalize their roster for the upcoming season. This decision suggests that All-Star reliever Matt Strahm is on track for opening day after dealing with shoulder inflammation during the spring.

Strahm, who had an impressive 2024 season with a 1.87 ERA, is expected to resume pitching soon. His performance from the previous year, which included striking out 79 batters across 66 games, positions him as an essential figure in the Phillies’ bullpen.

Mercado, a former first-round pick in 2017, made his MLB debut last season but struggled, holding an 11.08 ERA over five games. He will likely head to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, where he previously found some success last year.

The Philadelphia Phillies continued trimming their roster ahead of the regular season on Saturday, optioning two additional players and reassessing several others in Clearwater, Fla. Outfielder Cal Stevenson and right-handed pitcher Kyle Tyler will join the Iron Pigs, while infielder Christian Arroyo, catcher Josh Breaux, right-handed pitcher Nabil Crismatt, and outfielder Oscar Mercado have been reassigned.