As the Philadelphia Phillies gear up for the 2025 MLB season, all eyes are on their bullpen, a critical component in their quest to return to championship contention. At the center of this spotlight is a young and dynamic reliever: Orion Kerkering. After a promising 2024 campaign, the Phillies are banking on Kerkering to elevate his game even further and anchor the bullpen in the coming season.
A Rising Star in the Bullpen
Kerkering’s journey to the majors has been nothing short of impressive. Drafted in the fifth round in 2022 out of South Florida, the right-hander quickly rose through the minor league ranks, showcasing an elite fastball-slider combination that baffled hitters at every level. By the time he made his major league debut in late 2023, he had already established himself as one of the Phillies’ most promising young arms.
In 2024, Kerkering solidified his role as a key late-inning reliever. Appearing in 62 games, he posted a 2.78 ERA with 85 strikeouts over 65 innings. His ability to handle high-leverage situations earned him the trust of Phillies manager Rob Thomson, who frequently turned to him in pivotal moments.
The Expectations for 2025
With veteran relievers like Craig Kimbrel and Seranthony Domínguez no longer on the roster, Kerkering is expected to take on an even larger role this season. While the Phillies have added depth to their bullpen through free agency and trades, it’s clear that Kerkering is viewed as the future closer—or at the very least, the linchpin of their relief corps.
“Orion has the stuff and the poise to be a cornerstone for us,” said Thomson during a recent press conference. “We’re excited to see him take that next step.”
For Kerkering, that next step involves refining his command and continuing to develop his secondary pitches. While his slider is already one of the best in the league, the addition of a more consistent changeup could make him virtually unhittable. The Phillies’ coaching staff has been working closely with him this offseason to ensure he’s ready to handle the increased workload and pressure.
The Stakes for the Phillies
The Phillies’ bullpen has been a point of contention for years, often falling short in critical moments. However, with Kerkering’s emergence, there’s a renewed sense of optimism. A dominant bullpen led by a young star like Kerkering could be the difference between another playoff disappointment and a deep postseason run.
Kerkering’s success will also have a ripple effect on the rest of the team. A reliable closer can take pressure off the starting rotation and allow the Phillies to better manage their bullpen depth. It also boosts the confidence of the entire roster, knowing they have a shutdown arm ready to seal victories.
Why Fans Should Believe in Kerkering
Phillies fans have every reason to be excited about Kerkering’s potential. Beyond his raw talent, he’s shown a remarkable ability to rise to the occasion. His composure under pressure and willingness to learn from veterans have endeared him to teammates and coaches alike.
Moreover, Kerkering embodies the kind of homegrown success story that fans love to rally around. In an era where big-market teams often rely on free-agent signings, having a homegrown star like Kerkering leading the bullpen is a testament to the Phillies’ player development efforts.
Conclusion
As the 2025 season approaches, the Phillies’ bullpen—and by extension, their championship aspirations—will rest heavily on the shoulders of Orion Kerkering. If his past performances are any indication, he’s more than ready to rise to the challenge. Count on him to take another step forward this season, solidifying his place as one of the best young relievers in baseball and giving Phillies fans plenty to cheer about.
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