Phillies Bullpen Poised for Improvement in 2026

Key additions and full seasons from top relievers could boost Philadelphia's relief corps

Jan. 31, 2026 at 3:55pm

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The Philadelphia Phillies' bullpen struggled at times in 2025, but the unit is projected to be among the best in MLB in 2026. Full seasons from top relievers José Alvarado and Jhoan Duran, as well as the additions of Brad Keller and Jonathan Bowlan, should help the Phillies' relief corps become more reliable and better at keeping the ball on the ground.

Why it matters

The Phillies have World Series aspirations, and a strong bullpen will be crucial to their success. After an early postseason exit in 2025, the team is counting on its relief unit to be a strength in 2026 and help the club make a deep playoff run.

The details

Alvarado was limited to 26 innings in 2025 due to an 80-game suspension, while Duran was acquired at the trade deadline and made just 26 appearances. The Phillies are expecting full seasons from both relievers in 2026. They also signed free agent Brad Keller to a two-year deal after his breakout 2025 season with the Cubs, and acquired Jonathan Bowlan from the Royals. These additions, along with ground-ball specialists like Duran, Keller and Alvarado, should help the Phillies' bullpen limit home runs and improve its overall performance.

  • Alvarado was suspended for 80 games on May 18, 2025 following a positive test for a performance-enhancing substance.
  • Duran was acquired by the Phillies on July 30, 2025, just a day before the Trade Deadline.

The players

José Alvarado

A left-handed reliever and one of the Phillies' top leverage arms, who was limited to 26 innings in 2025 due to an 80-game suspension.

Jhoan Duran

The Phillies' closer, who was acquired in a trade with the Twins on July 30, 2025 and made just 26 appearances between the regular season and playoffs.

Brad Keller

A right-handed reliever the Phillies signed to a two-year, $22 million deal in the offseason after he posted a 2.07 ERA with the Cubs in 2025.

Jonathan Bowlan

A right-handed reliever acquired from the Royals, who had a 3.86 ERA in 44 1/3 innings for Kansas City in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.