The Philadelphia Phillies are making waves this offseason, and while there are some questions about the starting rotation and lineup, the bullpen is shaping up to be a formidable force. With Matt Strahm traded away, there's an opportunity for a new left-handed reliever to step up. Alongside Tanner Banks and Jose Alvarado, the Phillies are in the market for another southpaw to round out their bullpen.
Enter Genesis Cabrera, a seasoned veteran with experience from the New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals. Cabrera, dubbed a "dark horse" by Todd Zolecki of MLB.com, could potentially secure a spot on the Phillies' Opening Day roster.
Cabrera's career has been a rollercoaster, but when he's on, he can be a game-changer. From 2021 to 2024, he posted a respectable 3.94 ERA over 202 appearances. His time with the Cardinals saw him achieve a 4.14 ERA in 174 games, with standout seasons in 2020 and 2021, where he recorded ERAs of 2.42 and 3.73, respectively.
In 2024, Cabrera showcased his skills with the Toronto Blue Jays, achieving a solid 3.59 ERA over 69 appearances. However, 2025 was a whirlwind year for him.
After a brief stint with the Mets, where he had a 3.52 ERA in six games, he struggled with the Chicago Cubs, posting an 8.68 ERA in nine appearances. His journey continued with the Pittsburgh Steelers, logging a 4.91 ERA in nine outings, before wrapping up the season with the Milwaukee Brewers with a 7.98 ERA over 16 games.
Despite the ups and downs, Cabrera's potential is undeniable. If he can shine during Spring Training and if Kyle Backhus, the current frontrunner for the third lefty spot, falters, Cabrera might just find himself on the Phillies' Opening Day roster. With his experience and talent, Cabrera could be the missing piece in the Phillies' bullpen puzzle.