The Philadelphia Phillies were active this offseason, and although there are still some uncertainties in the rotation and batting order, their bullpen once again appears to be a strength.
However, following Matt Strahm’s departure, there’s room for a third left-handed reliever alongside Tanner Banks and José Alvarado. The Phillies may be in the market for another southpaw to round out the relief corps.
According to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki, veteran left-hander Genesis Cabrera could emerge as a “dark horse” candidate to crack the Opening Day roster. Zolecki noted that if Cabrera can rediscover the form he showed from 2021 through 2024 — when he posted a 3.94 ERA across 202 appearances — he might claim one of the final bullpen spots.
The 29-year-old has spent much of his seven-year career with the St. Louis Cardinals, recording a 4.14 ERA in 174 games, with particularly strong showings in 2020 and 2021. He later logged a solid 3.59 ERA in 69 appearances with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2024.
His 2025 campaign, however, was inconsistent. Cabrera posted a 3.52 ERA in limited work with the New York Mets before struggling to an 8.68 ERA in nine outings for the Chicago Cubs. He later had brief stints with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Milwaukee Brewers, finishing the year with a combined 6.54 ERA across 40 appearances.
While his recent numbers raise concerns, Cabrera’s past success suggests potential upside. If he impresses during Spring Training and outperforms current favorite Kyle Backhus for the final lefty role, he could position himself to break camp with Philadelphia.
