Orion Kerkering

Kerkering's first full season in the majors was delayed by a few weeks due to what the Phillies called a "right forearm strain". In reality, the 23-year-old was simply rebuilding strength after missing extensive time during spring training due to a severe case of the flu. Kerkering was activated in mid-April and pitched on the lower-end of Philadelphia's high-leverage hierarchy, typically working the sixth or seventh innings. The rookie was outstanding, posting a 2.29 ERA (3.19 xERA) and 1.08 WHIP over 63 innings with a 23.2 K-BB percentage that ranked 20th among qualified relievers. Kerkering failed to record any saves in 2024, but remains in the conversation as a potential closer of the future in Philadelphia. Read Past Outlooks