Left-handed relievers the Phillies could target in free agency

John Stolnis argues that the Philadelphia Phillies must prioritize left-handed relief pitching in free agency following a disappointing season from their bullpen. After trading away Matt Strahm, Philadelphia's southpaw relievers recorded a 5.12 ERA, which was the second-worst in Major League Baseball. Although the team re-signed Tim Mayza, Stolnis believes president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski must acquire at least one or two additional left-handers to solidify late-inning relief options.

Stolnis highlights top free agent Adrian Morejon, though he notes that Morejon's projected five-year, $80 million contract makes a signing unlikely. Instead, the writer points to more affordable alternatives such as Alex Vesia, Steven Okert, Sean Newcomb, and Brock Burke. Stolnis also suggests former Phillie JoJo Romero and bounce-back candidate A.J. Puk as viable targets to reinforce the bullpen alongside closer Jhoan Duran.