The Philadelphia Phillies are expected to retain most of their 26-man roster for next season, with only three players set to enter free agency this offseason. As the 2024 World Series concludes and free agency opens on Monday, the Phillies’ plans for Spencer Turnbull, Jeff Hoffman, and Carlos Estévez remain unclear.
Turnbull started the 2024 season strong in the Phillies’ injury-hit rotation, but recurring injuries sidelined him once more. After being placed on the IL on June 26 due to a right lat strain, he was unable to return for the rest of the season. Despite recording a solid 3-0 record, a 2.65 ERA, and 58 strikeouts over 54 1/3 innings in 17 games (including seven starts), his ongoing injury concerns make a reunion unlikely.
Hoffman and Estévez present different situations. Hoffman, who enjoyed an All-Star season, shared closing duties with José Alvarado before Estévez joined the team at the trade deadline. Despite Hoffman’s struggles in the NLDS, he posted a strong 3-3 record, 10 saves, and a 2.17 ERA over 66 1/3 innings. The Phillies must now decide if extending a qualifying offer of $21.05 million makes financial sense, given other appealing free agents becoming available.
Estévez, who was a valuable midseason addition, finished with a 3-2 record, six saves, and a 2.57 ERA over 20 games. His acquisition required the Phillies to trade top pitching prospects George Klassen and Samuel Aldegheri to the Angels, but his contributions were valuable during the playoff push. The market for this All-Star closer is expected to be competitive.
This winter, the Phillies may also explore the market for other free agent closers.
MLB insider predicts Phillies to sign top closer after letting Hoffman, Estévez walk
According to former MLB general manager and current baseball insider Jim Bowden of *The Athletic*, the Phillies are likely to have a new closer stepping in for the ninth inning next season. Bowden’s prediction, although speculative, suggests the Phillies will part ways with relievers Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez this offseason and pursue a familiar name.
Bowden forecasts the Phillies signing left-hander Tanner Scott to a four-year, $60 million deal. Scott, who was a primary target for the Phillies at the July trade deadline, ended up going to the San Diego Padres from the Marlins in exchange for top San Diego prospects. The Phillies’ potential interest may have been dampened by the reluctance of either side to trade within the division, but free agency now offers the Phillies the chance to acquire Scott without inter-division trade obstacles.
Scott is expected to attract substantial interest, coming off a standout season with his first All-Star selection, a 9-6 record, a 1.75 ERA, 22 saves, and 84 strikeouts in 62 2/3 innings. Bowden also projects Estévez signing a three-year, $33 million contract with the Texas Rangers, making the Phillies’ need for a new closer more pressing.
While the Phillies could consider in-house options such as giving José Alvarado another chance to close games or developing Orion Kerkering for the role, they are more likely to pursue a proven closer in free agency. The primary question is who they will target.
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