With just two weeks until the Philadelphia Phillies kick off their 2025 Major League Baseball season, spring training is entering its final stretch. As roster cuts continue, the team is working to finalize the Opening Day lineup, with one final bench spot still up for grabs. However, several pitchers have taken full advantage of their opportunities in camp, particularly those competing for bullpen roles.
5 Phillies Pitchers Who Have Thrived in Spring Training
Jordan Romano, RHP
This offseason, the Phillies signed two-time All-Star closer Jordan Romano to a one-year contract. The former Toronto Blue Jays standout, with a career 2.90 ERA and 105 saves, had his 2024 season cut short due to a right elbow injury after pitching just 13 2/3 innings.
Now fully recovered, Romano is showing signs of returning to his All-Star form. He has dominated in five spring training appearances, recording a 0.80 WHIP, two holds, six strikeouts, and a stellar 10.8 K/9 while not allowing a single earned run. With just three hits and one walk surrendered, Romano is proving to be a valuable late-inning asset for the Phillies.
José Alvarado, LHP
The Phillies are heavily relying on José Alvarado to be a key bullpen arm in 2025. The hard-throwing lefty has shown flashes of dominance during his four-year tenure with the team, but he struggled in 2024. After posting a 1.74 ERA in 2023 with an elite 14.29 K/9, his strikeout rate dropped to 9.19 K/9 last season, and command issues surfaced.
Spring training has been a different story. Alvarado has been nearly untouchable, pitching five scoreless innings while registering a 1.00 WHIP, two holds, and an incredible 21.6 K/9. He has allowed only two hits and three walks while striking out 12, signaling a strong bounce-back season ahead.
John McMillon, RHP
Claimed off waivers from the Miami Marlins in November, John McMillon arrived at Phillies camp as a non-roster invitee. Despite limited big-league experience, he has impressed with a 1.69 career ERA and 21 strikeouts in 16 innings split between the Kansas City Royals and Marlins.
With bullpen spots up for grabs, McMillon has seized his opportunity. Over four spring training innings, he has yet to allow a run, posting a 1.00 WHIP and five strikeouts for an 11.3 K/9. While he may not make the Opening Day roster, his strong showing ensures he will be in the mix for a bullpen role at some point this season.
José Ruiz, RHP
José Ruiz emerged as a surprise contributor in 2024 after signing a minor league deal the previous offseason. Debuting with the Phillies on May 4, he delivered two scoreless innings against the San Francisco Giants and went on to become a dependable bullpen piece. He finished the season with a 5-1 record, a 3.71 ERA, and 52 strikeouts in 51 innings.
Ruiz, who is out of minor league options, has continued his strong performance this spring. He has logged a 0.75 WHIP, five strikeouts, and an 11.3 K/9 while allowing only two hits, one walk, and no earned runs in four innings. His consistency makes him a strong candidate for a bullpen role in 2025.
Cristopher Sánchez, LHP
Cristopher Sánchez broke out in 2024 as a key member of the Phillies’ rotation. His stellar season earned him an All-Star selection, a four-year contract extension, and a top-10 finish in the NL Cy Young Award voting. He posted an 11-9 record, a 3.32 ERA, and a 1.24 WHIP, establishing himself as a reliable starter.
Sánchez has taken his game to another level this spring, displaying increased velocity—nearing triple digits—and a higher strikeout rate. Through four starts, he has racked up 17 strikeouts in 11 2/3 innings, good for a 13.11 K/9, while posting a 2.31 ERA and a 0.86 WHIP. With continued improvements, he could be a legitimate Cy Young contender in 2025, joining Zack Wheeler, last season’s runner-up to Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale.
As the Phillies fine-tune their roster ahead of Opening Day, these pitchers have made strong cases for key roles, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting season.
