The Philadelphia Phillies are gearing up to revamp the back end of their bullpen as two key relievers hit free agency.
Jeff Hoffman, a 2024 All-Star, and Carlos Estevez, acquired from the Los Angeles Angels at the trade deadline, are both pursuing lucrative contracts. Some teams interested in Hoffman are reportedly considering transitioning him back to a starting role, a position he knows well from his 50 career starts over nine seasons.
Hoffman has thrived in Philadelphia as a high-leverage reliever, posting a stellar 2.28 ERA over 122 appearances in two seasons. He has struck out 158 batters in 118 2/3 innings, with an impressive ERA+ of 184.
Estevez, on the other hand, struggled to replicate his previous success with the Phillies. In 20 appearances, his walks per nine innings increased, strikeouts per nine declined, and overall control became an issue. He allowed 27 baserunners over 21 innings, including two intentional walks, falling short of expectations despite being a top deadline acquisition.
MLB insider believes Philadelphia Phillies should target All-Star Tanner Scott
As the Phillies search for bullpen reinforcements, MLB insider Jon Paul Morosi has identified All-Star reliever Tanner Scott as a potential target.
Scott, 30, who was traded from the Miami Marlins to the San Diego Padres at the trade deadline, has solidified his status as one of baseball’s top relievers over the past two seasons. In 2024, the left-hander earned his first All-Star selection, posting a stellar 1.75 ERA over 72 appearances, with 84 strikeouts in 72 innings and an impressive 252 ERA+.
“With the Phillies’ ongoing bullpen struggles over the past few years, I think Scott would be a fantastic fit in Philadelphia,” Morosi remarked.
The Phillies’ bullpen ranked 14th in ERA during the 2024 season and collapsed in the NLDS against the New York Mets. Jeff Hoffman allowed six earned runs in just 1 1/3 innings over three games, while Carlos Estévez’s tenure ended on a low note after surrendering a grand slam to Francisco Lindor in Game 4, which sealed the series for the Mets.
Tanner Scott is expected to attract significant interest at next week’s MLB Winter Meetings, with ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel projecting a four-year, $54 million contract for the standout reliever.
Be the first to comment