In 2023, Orion Kerkering was a surprisingly fast riser through the Philadelphia Phillies’ system. He pitched in 4 levels of the minors and got his promotion to the majors in September for 3 games.
After a successful 2024 regular season, Kerkering had a moment to reflect on the journey of the 162.
“It’s a lot of ups and downs and learning the process of what it takes between traveling all over the country, playing all these superstars, and then just let the ride just do its thing.”
Orion compared his first full season to surfing and waiting for the right wave. He admitted to not knowing how to surf himself, but he seemed to figure this out on the mound (the pitcher’s wave).
Of all pitchers who threw 60 or more innings, Kerkering had the 10th-best Fielding Independent Pitching in baseball at 2.42. He was 22nd in ERA at 2.29. Only All-Star Matt Strahm had better marks on the Phillies in 2024.
Kerkering’s Role
Orion Kerkering became one of manager Rob Thomson‘s most trusted weapons out of the bullpen. This faith only helped him have the caliber of season he did. “It just kind of builds you up a little bit more,” said Kerkering.
The entire culture of the bullpen bred success for the team.
“With [Thomson] and all the bullpen guys, no one is like too greedy to be out there,” said Kerkering. “No one cares what inning it is. We all try to back each other up.”
That cohesion helped Kerkering get through his rough waters after the All-Star break. In 12 appearances between July 15th and August 15th, he had a 6.55 ERA and opponents were hitting .326 against him.
It wasn’t a mechanical issue that affected Kerkering. It was the mental side of the game.
“I was going through some personal stuff, a personal family matter,” explained Orion. “That was in the back of my head for a little bit. I think that was my issue was trying to separate between the off-the-field stuff and on-the-field stuff for those couple weeks.”
Once he got comfortable, he started to talk through things with his teammates more. Kerkering said that it mellowed him out and calmed him down.
When Yogi Berra said “Baseball is 90 percent mental”, he wasn’t lying. In his last 17 appearances, Kerkering allowed just 3 ER. Opponents hit just .172 against him.
Now, he’s ready for his 2nd shot at the postseason. He stated that he’s “100%” more prepared for the 2024 postseason than the 2023 postseason.
His first taste of October last season taught Kerkering a valuable lesson.
“Don’t let the lights get too bright.”
He and the Phillies will face down those bright lights again starting on October 5th in the NLDS.
Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
