Kerkering Takes Over Hoffman’s Role

Orion Kerkering is preparing to take on a significant role in the Phillies’ bullpen, potentially filling a void left by the departure of veteran Matt Strahm and drawing inspiration from advice given by Trevor Hoffman. Hoffman’s main advice to Kerkering was simple: “Just go be you,” and “just go have fun,” emphasizing that there’s no need for rigid superstitions in baseball.

While the Phillies haven’t relied on a traditional closer recently, they’ve used pitchers like Craig Kimbrel and Carlos Estévez in that capacity for periods of time. This season, Jordan Romano could get opportunities in the ninth inning, along with Strahm and Kerkering. Kerkering isn’t fazed by the pressure, stating, “No pressure at all. It’s the same three outs every time I go out there…No matter what inning it is, I think they’re all super important.”  

Pitching coach Caleb Cotham believes Kerkering possesses the right mentality for high-leverage situations. Describing him as a “good thinker” and someone who “likes those sticky, hot situations,” Cotham expressed confidence in Kerkering’s ability to handle important outs, even suggesting he could be a future closer.  

Kerkering is focusing on improving his fastball this spring, particularly his two-seamer and its location. He aims to use it more frequently, creating a better balance with his slider. He described his sinker as an “experiment” last year, but this year he plans to develop it further.

Strahm and Hoffman were catch partners for the past two years, a role Kerkering might also step into. However, he says that’s “up in the air” and feels like an “audition.”