Orion Kerkering's future with the Phillies is up in the air after a career-worst season in 2026, which included a late-season demotion to the minors.
Phillies Nation writers debated whether the Philadelphia Phillies should retain or trade relief pitcher Orion Kerkering this offseason. After recording a 2.43 ERA in the first half of the 2026 season, Kerkering struggled with a 9.43 ERA in the second half, leading to his demotion to Triple-A on September 20 and an omission from the wild-card roster.
Three of the four featured staff members argued that the team should move on from the 25-year-old right-hander, citing regression and control issues. Conversely, site director Destiny Lugardo contended Philadelphia should keep Kerkering as depth, noting his minor-league options and three remaining years of club control.
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