A 12-year veteran and one-time All-Star, Brandon Kintzler came into the season with a track record of success as a major league reliever. Last year, he served as the Miami Marlins’ closer and recorded 12 saves in the pandemic-shortened season.
Based on that track record, his former teammate Bryce Harper encouraged Kintzler to come to the Phillies where he would theoretically provide leadership and effectiveness. Persuaded by Harper, Kintzler turned down a guaranteed contract to return to the Marlins in order to take a minor-league deal with the Phillies.
Kintzler made the Opening Day roster and got first crack at the important “get out of a mid-inning jam” role.