The Philadelphia Phillies are considered the prime choice to enhance their bullpen with a high-velocity relief pitcher, viewed as one of the hardest throwers in the league during this offseason.
As the MLB offseason buzzes with anticipation and speculation, the Philadelphia Phillies have emerged as a leading contender in the pursuit of a flame-throwing relief pitcher. The team’s relentless pursuit of hard-throwing arms has positioned them as the prime choice to fortify their bullpen with an infusion of speed and power.
Philadelphia’s strategic emphasis on velocity in their relief corps has been unmistakable in recent seasons. Their bullpen showcased the highest average velocity among all relief staffs in the past year, clocking in at an impressive 96.3 mph—a notable 0.5 mph faster than their nearest competitor.
This commitment to securing pitchers with blistering fastballs has been a cornerstone of the Phillies’ bullpen philosophy. The quest for power arms has notably led them to consider superstar closer Josh Hader during this offseason, viewing him as a potential replacement for Craig Kimbrel, whose declining velocity has impacted his on-field performance.
However, while the Phillies harbor interest in Hader, his contractual demands for a deal potentially making him the highest-paid closer in MLB history might pose financial constraints for the team. This scenario has prompted a shift in focus, with experts and insiders now identifying the Phillies as an ideal landing spot for another hard-throwing reliever: Jordan Hicks.
Hicks, a 27-year-old pitcher, has recently shown a resurgence after navigating through injury setbacks. His performance in the past season, boasting a commendable 3.29 ERA and a career-best 11.1 strikeouts per nine innings, has elevated his standing in the league. Notably, Hicks’ fastball velocity, averaging an impressive 100.3 mph, ranks second only to Jhoan Duran of the Minnesota Twins.
Tim Britton and Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic note, “Hicks finally turned his high-octane raw stuff into high-end performance at age 26, posting a 3.29 ERA with a career-high 11.1 strikeouts per nine innings for St. Louis and Toronto.”
The tantalizing prospect of Hicks joining the Phillies aligns perfectly with the team’s bullpen strategy. His resurgence coupled with a more feasible contract projection of four years at $36 million makes him an attractive and financially viable option for Philadelphia.
The Phillies, renowned for their strategic investments and commitment to assembling a competitive roster, appear poised to seize the opportunity to bolster their pitching arsenal. As the offseason unfolds, the possibility of Hicks donning the Phillies’ jersey symbolizes the team’s dedication to amplifying their strengths and solidifying their pursuit of success in the upcoming season.
