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Former MLB GM Calls Orioles Star 'Favorite' Phillies Trade Target

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jacob Mountz | Last updated Jun 10, 2025 6:00 PM ET

The suspension of Jose Alvarado has left a massive hole in the backend of the Philadelphia Phillies’ bullpen. When combined with the struggles of Jordan Romano, the Phillies have a substantial problem on their hands.

Philadelphia is expected to be aggressive in searching for pitching and outfield help at the trade deadline. When discussing trade targets for each contender in an article from The Athletic, former MLB GM Jim Bowden stated that bullpen help is their “biggest need.” On a short list of relievers, he labeled Orioles’ star closer, Félix Bautista, as the Phillies’ “Favorite target.”

“The Phillies’ front office is determined to land a dominant back-end-of-the-bullpen reliever, and I’m sure they will do so before the trade deadline,” Bowden writes. “If the Orioles don’t get back in the race, Bautista could be the Phillies’ best option to take over the ninth inning. Bautista is under team control through 2027 and has a 3.32 ERA and 12 saves this season. He has not allowed a run in six of his past seven appearances and appears to be making progress in getting closer to his pre-Tommy John surgery form.”

In his last full year during the 2023 season, Bautista threw to a remarkable 1.48 ERA with a whopping 110 strikeouts in just 61 innings. His career ERA stands at a stellar 2.06.

Bautista is owed $1 million this year and is under contract through 2027. If he can recover his pre-Tommy John form, as Bowden points out, he is close to doing so, Bautista could be a very valuable addition to the team for the next three years.

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

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