J.T. Realmuto weighs in on Phillies’ closer of the future with glowing praise
The Phillies’ veteran catcher says that Orion Kerkering has what it takes.
Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson plans to deploy his bullpen in a familiar fashion this season. Without a set closer heading into the 2025 season, it’s another year of closer-by-committee, according to the skipper.
There are a few relievers who could potentially be in line to see ninth-inning action. Matt Strahm, José Alvarado, newcomer Jordan Romano and even youngster Orion Kerkering. Until one of them stands out and grabs the closer job, Thomson’s bullpen will be used in a mix-and-match manner.
The 23-year-old Kerkering will get his chance to collect some saves this season, presumably, and fans are hoping that he isn’t far away from becoming the Phillies’ full-time closer. The stars seem to be aligning for that to eventually happen. Veteran catcher J.T. Realmuto agrees.
J.T. Realmuto says Orion Kerkering can be Phillies’ closer of the future
Realmuto shared his thoughts on Kerkering during a recent appearance on The Phillies Show podcast, saying that he has no doubt that the young right-hander will be a MLB closer one day.
“Yeah, absolutely, there’s no doubt in my mind that he’ll be a closer in this game for sure,” Realmuto said when asked about Kerkering. “He just has that mentality that nothing, I mean, I don’t even know how old he is, he’s probably 23, maybe, like he’s so young, 22. The way that he stepped in last year, his first year pitching in the playoffs, nothing bothering him.
