Preview of the Phillies’ 2024 spring training: Thoughts on each pitcher expected to report to camp

In the previous season, the Phillies gave up the fourth-fewest runs in the National League—a respectable feat that, when put into perspective, is nearly unbelievable. From 14th in runs allowed in 2020 to ninth in 2021, seventh in 2022, and fourth in 2023, the staff has improved each year. There have been exactly eight times since 1970 when the Phillies have finished in the top four in the NL in runs allowed.

They therefore enjoy the pitching environment. This group is nearly the same as it was last season. Is there enough depth to endure the grind of 162 games? This spring, when the Phillies evaluate relievers for one or two bullpen positions and determine who can best fill in as rotation reserves, that will be the constant conversation topic.

For the time being, the group is far smaller than it was in prior years. There are 27 pitchers in the Phillies’ training roster. Below is a summary of each and every one.

Mick Abel, RHP (22) It’s okay that he isn’t Andrew Painter. Perhaps it has changed people’s perceptions of him. Abel, who won’t be 23 until August, is, nevertheless, on schedule. As one of the youngest starters in the International League, he should begin the season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He has to focus on developing a better feel for his breaking balls.

Allard Kolby, LHP (26)With a fastball that consistently reaches the low 90s, he is virtually taking the spot of Bailey Falter, who was moved at the deadline, in the rotation depth chart. The fastball from Allard has been played up in the zone. The Phillies might highlight that.

Burr* Ryan, RHP (29) Despite spending the whole 2023 season in the minors while Tampa Bay used its usual rotation of pitchers, he still possesses that Rays sparkle. He was a productive middle reliever in the major leagues not so long ago. However, he spent four times last year on the injured list.

LHP José Alvarado (28) Pitchers made better contact, he didn’t always pitch at his best velocity, and he missed time due to worrisome elbow issues. Despite this, he had his lowest walk rate since he was a rookie last season, with a 1.74 ERA in 41 1/3 innings. The secret to everything is a healthy Alvarado.

RHP Connor Brogdon (29)In the World Series and National League Championship Series of 2022, he faced 25 hitters. Eleven were struck out by him. Even on the largest stages, he was unstoppable. Since then, his appearance has changed, and he is now visiting the camp due to a lack of minor-league possibilities. For Brogdon, spring is a major deal.

RHP Connor Brogdon (29)In the World Series and National League Championship Series of 2022, he faced 25 hitters. Eleven were struck out by him. Even on the largest stages, he was unstoppable. Since then, his appearance has changed, and he is now visiting the camp due to a lack of minor-league possibilities. For Brogdon, spring is a major deal.

RHP Dylan Covey (32)The Phillies are determined to retain him around for the entire winter because they think he can provide useful depth in the rotation. He is still on the roster. Contrary evidence is provided by a lifetime 6.18 ERA in 100 big-league games. However, Covey performed admirably as a mop-up man following that horrific Sunday night baseball game against the Braves.

The RHP Seranthony Domínguez (29) Last season, he gave up 25 runs, 14 of which were home runs. With the exception of one, all seven home runs came on pitches that were belt-high or higher in the zone. With his fastball, Domínguez was no longer able to play it safe as he once could. But, it is not absurd to believe that things will become better by 2024.

Hoffman, Jeff, RHP (31) In 2023, he was entitled to a.423 OPS. For a Phillies pitcher who faced at least 100 right-handed hitters in a season, that is the third-lowest mark ever. Brad Lidge (.403 in 2008) and Seranthony Domínguez (.374) are ahead of him. Hoffman will earn a lot of money in free agency if he repeats the performance.

Kerkering, Orion, RHP (22)Although the slider is a fantastic pitch, he might choose pitches with more balance next time. Between the regular season and postseason, Kerkering threw sliders 72% of the time. In 2023, everything transpired so quickly; that knowledge will be useful.

RHP Yunior Marte (29) Marte pitched as well as any reliever in the Phillies bullpen for two months at a time. However, there weren’t enough strikes and too many hanging sliders for him to stay in a regular role. It provides him with valuable depth.

RHP Griff McGarry, 24After a dismal season finale at Triple A (20 runs and 14 walks in 4 1/3 innings), the Phillies overhauled his delivery. Though nobody will know until McGarry throws a pitch in a game, there is optimism regarding the revisions. Whether he becomes a starter or reliever in the future will be determined by this season.

RHP Tyler McKay, age 26 Despite being a 16th-round selection in the 2018 amateur draft, he has remained in the system without doing anything particularly noteworthy. His sinker, which combines a changeup and slider, reaches 92 mph. He fits the mold of a middle reliever.

RHP 24 Michael MercadoIn 2023, his stats gradually increased as he moved into a bullpen position within Tampa Bay’s organization. His strikeout percentage of 35.4 percent was the highest among Rays farmhands and rated 11th out of all minor-league pitchers with at least 60 innings pitched. Enough for the Phillies to deal for him.

Moore, McKinley, RHP (25)He was a highlight in the spring training last year, but in his April big league debut, he was unable to throw a strike. Later in 2024, if he can develop a potent fastball-slider combination, he might be useful.

Nick Nelson (28), RHPNelson’s lone appearance—a solid 5 1/3 innings in Game 162—would have given the Phillies home-field advantage had the Phillies and Astros rematched in the World Series. Unfortunately. Nelson returns as the depth of rotation.