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Dave Dombrowski Doesn't Regret Phillies Offseason Bullpen Decisions

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 3:30 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies have a major need at the trade deadline in the bullpen. For most team's, adding bullpen help is the standard.

But the Phillies' need is a lot more dire, thanks to the offseason decisions from Dave Dombrowski. However, despite those offseason moves not panning out, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com shared that Dombrowski doesn't regret those moves.

"Dombrowski said he has no regrets with how the organization constructed its bullpen in the offseason." Zolecki writes. "It chose to sign two relievers to one-year deals rather than sign others to multiyear deals, such as Jeff Hoffman."

Dombrowski brought in two relievers, Joe Ross and Jordan Romano. Both have disappointed. Romano has a 6.88 ERA, has blown three saves, and is 1-4 on the year. Ross has a 5.28 ERA and two blown saves in his only two save opportunities.

They were brought in, while Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Esteves left in free agency. Hoffman has a 4.68 ERA, but is fourth in baseball with 24 saves. Esteves has a 2.74 ERA and is tied for second with 26 saves.

The Phillies bullpen has a 4.25 ERA this season, eighth worst in all of baseball. Dombrowski and the Phillies front office need to land a reliever or two at the trade deadline, largely thanks to their misses in the offseason.

Ross and Romano have been bad, while Jose Alvarado has been suspended 80 games and the postseason. While Alvarado's situation isn't Dombrowski's fault, it does highlight the misses of Ross and Romano a lot more.

They've already brought in David Robertson, a 40-year-old veteran who will be joining the Phillies for the third time in his career. He should provide nice depth, but the team needs more bullpen help.

Those offseason moves have gone terribly, and at the trade deadline, the Phillies will have to pay for it. Not only will it cost the team a lot of money, $12 million to Robertson already, but the prospects and trade chips will make those offseason moves look much worse.

Ross and Romano have been rough signings, while Hoffman and Esteves have been good on their new teams. But, Dombrowski doesn't regret his offseason decisions, despite the terrible outcome so far.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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