Phillies Could Make Risky $90 Million Move to Plug Major Hole

The Philadelphia Phillies' bullpen is in absolute need of an overhaul heading into the offseason, as it's clear Don Mattingly didn't trust anyone outside of Alex McFarlane or Jhoan Duran down the stretch of 2026.

Nor should he have.

The Phillies' bullpen was an unmitigated disaster for much of the season, and the two relievers they acquired at the MLB trade deadline both failed for separate reasons. Caleb Kilian ended up injuring his oblique, and Brooks Raley completely imploded.

So, what should Philadelphia do this winter?

Well, the Phillies will obviously need to make some significant additions, and one name that will definitely surface as a potential target is Adrian Morejon.

Morejon just completed a 2026 campaign with the San Diego Padres in which he registered a 2.83 ERA, 1.081 WHIP and 11.2 K/9, establishing himself as one of the best relief pitchers in all of baseball.

The left-hander began his career in San Diego back in 2019 and actually began as a starter before eventually transitioning into a full-time relief role.

Morejon's breakout season came in 2024, when he pitched to the tune of a 2.83 ERA over 60 relief appearances. He followed that up with a 2.08 ERA and an All-Star appearance in 2025.

So, yeah: Morejon has been an elite bullpen arm for three years running now, and in a world where relievers are generally crapshoots, that consistency is a terrific sign.

The problem, though, is the cost.

Morejon will be one of the top relievers on the free-agent market this winter, and Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter recently projected the 27-year-old to bag a five-year, $90 million deal.

Given that Tanner Scott secured a four-year, $72 million contract from the Los Angeles Dodgers a couple of years ago, that sounds reasonable.

But will the Phillies be willing to pay that much money for a setup man?

Duran is Philadelphia's closer. There is no question about it. And Morejon was also the setup man for the Padres, building the bridge to Mason Miller.

Is it worth paying $18 million annually for a relief pitcher who isn't a closer, especially when you need to spend ample money fixing the offense?

It's a question the Phillies need to ask themselves. They also must determine how much cash they are actually willing to blow in the coming months.

Morejon represents an enticing addition for sure. A late-inning duo of Morejon and Duran would be absolutely terrifying for opponents, especially when coupled with Philadelphia's dominant starting rotation.

Whether or not Philly actually goes for broke and does it remains to be seen.