Who is the Phillies Closer? Fantasy Baseball Saves Outlook

The Philadelphia Phillies had a reliable closer option in veteran Craig Kimbrel last season. Kimbrel saved 23 games across 71 appearances while making his ninth All-Star game. The right-hander, though, left in free agency and signed with the Baltimore Orioles.

That left the closer role in Philadelphia open. The Phillies did not sign anyone in that department this offseason, which meant the job was up for grabs from within the organization.

So, who is the Phillies closer? Is he a viable fantasy baseball option? Let's dive in and find out.

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Who is the Phillies' Starting Closer?

The Phillies haven't had many save chances in the first six games of the season, but on March 31 against the Atlanta Braves, it was left-hander Jose Alvarado who got the nod. Despite giving up five earned runs two days before on March 29, manager Rob Thomson remained confident in Alvarado to get the save.

The left-hander did just that by striking out one in a quick inning to secure his first save of the season. Alvarado also pitched the ninth inning in the next game against the Cincinnati Reds -- even in a non-save situation.

José Alvarado, Devilish Cutters. 👿 pic.twitter.com/wab3BKN40s

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 2, 2024

As a result, it appears that Alvarado is the Phillies' primary closer to begin the season, a role he has some experience in. He saved 10 games in 2023 and totaled seven combined saves during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. The flame-throwing left-hander has the job secured for now.

Jose Alvarado Fantasy Baseball Outlook

If you need saves this early in this season because you punted relief pitchers in the draft or drafted closers like Jordan Romano, Paul Sewald, or Jhoan Duran, then grabbing Alvarado could make sense. He plays on a Phillies team that should win somewhere between 85 to 95 games.

Alvarado can also add valuable numbers in the strikeout department with a career 12 strikeouts per nine innings. That number has actually even been higher in recent years, as the left-hander finished with a 13.9 K/9 in 2023 and a 14.3 K/9 in 2022. This year, he already has four strikeouts in just 2.2 innings pitched.

José Alvarado gets the first save opportunity of the season.

— Phillies Nation (@PhilliesNation) March 31, 2024

Alvarado should be a nice pickup in most 10+ team leagues, especially with an easy schedule approaching. With games against the Washington Nationals (three), St. Louis Cardinals (three), Pittsburgh Pirates (four), Colorado Rockies (three), and Chicago White Sox (three) -- all teams that finished under .500 last season -- the 28-year-old will likely be called upon a lot over the next five series.

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