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Meet the 2025 Philadelphia Phillies: RHP Orion Kerkering

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Mike Ostrowski | Last updated Mar 10, 2025 12:30 PM ET

The 2025 MLB season is almost upon us and is a crucial year for the Philadelphia Phillies. Fresh off an NL East title but the subsequent loss in the NLDS, the Fightins are once again hunting for Red October and an elusive third World Series Championship.

Over the next few days, we'll take you through each player with a chance at making the Phils' active roster and discussing expectations for all of them. Next up is a sophomore reliever who broke into the bigs in a massive role last year...

Name: Orion Kerkering

Number: 50

Position: Pitcher

Throws: Right

Build: 6'2", 204 lbs.

Age: 23 (24 on April 4)

Acquired: 2022 MLB Draft, 5th Round (152nd Overall Pick)

Socials: Instagram

2024 Stats: 5-3, 2.29 ERA with 74 Ks, 17 BBs, and a .297 opponent OBP over 64 appearances (63 IP). He also collected 14 "holds" - preserving the lead in a save situation for another pitcher. In the NLDS, Kerkering pitched in all four games, allowing one run and striking out five over 3.2 innings. The Phillies couldn't have asked for more in Kerkering's rookie season.

2025 Projections: Kerkering will have high expectations placed on him, partially because of his first impressions and the Jeff Hoffman-sized hole in the bullpen. Look for him to work alongside Matt Strahm, José Alvarado, and Jordan Romano in the late innings - a challenge he's looking forward to.

"It's the same three outs every time you go out there," Kerkering told NBC Sports Philadelphia's Corey Seidman. "No matter what inning it is, they're all super important. I think it'll be a fun task to handle."

Kerkering notably had a 0.82 ERA in 11 eighth-inning appearances, so the added pressure didn't deter him before. Will that change throughout a full season in the role?

Highlights from Last Season: