The Phillies have plenty of work to do this winter, but one need stands out fast: they have to get better from the left side in the bullpen. That’s where Adrian Morejon comes in.
David Schoenfield of ESPN pegged Philadelphia as the best fit for the Padres All-Star, and it’s easy to see why. The Phillies are staring at a bullpen situation that could use serious help after a wave of left-handed uncertainty.
Of the seven Phillies players already officially free agents, three are left-handed pitchers: Nestor Cortes, Jose Alvarado and Brooks Raley. The way things look now, none of them are likely to return.
That would leave Tim Mayza as the only left-handed reliever firmly slotted into a major league role, while Tanner Banks would still need to win a job after a disappointing 2026 campaign.
Morejon gives them exactly the kind of answer they’re missing. The 2025 All-Star is coming off a three-year run that has positioned him to land a major payday in free agency, and even if the Padres decide to extend a qualifying offer, the fit in Philadelphia still makes sense. The Phillies might have to give up draft compensation and international pool money in that scenario, but this is the kind of move that could be worth the cost if it solves a real problem.
The bigger appeal is how Morejon would fit into the role the Phillies actually need. He hasn’t worked as a closer, but that doesn’t matter here.
Jhoan Duran is already in place at the back end. What Philadelphia needs is a bridge to get there, and Morejon looks built for that job.
Pair him with the fast-rising Alex McFarlane, and manager Don Mattingly would suddenly have both a right-handed and left-handed option to mix and match in late-game spots.
And the performance data backs up the buzz. Over the last three seasons, Morejon has posted a 2.58 ERA in 211 games and 223.1 innings, with 248 strikeouts, a 161 ERA+, a 2.46 FIP and 5.6 bWAR. That’s not just a good stretch - it’s the profile of a reliever who has consistently delivered elite production.
Philadelphia’s need is obvious, too. In 2026, Phillies left-handed relievers allowed an .805 OPS, which ranked second-worst in MLB.
Morejon would bring an immediate upgrade with a fastball that reaches 99 mph and a changeup that opponents hit only .156 against. For a bullpen that needs balance and bite, he checks the right boxes.
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