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Phillies Linked to All-Star Orioles Closer Amid Desperate Bullpen Need

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 11:15 AM ET

For the Philadelphia Phillies, there is no bigger need than relief pitching as the 2025 MLB trade deadline approaches. With Jose Alvarado suspended 80 games for PEDs and Jordan Romano struggling, the bullpen has been shaky all season long.

In an article from Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report, the Phillies' bullpen is named their most desperate need. Kelly also brought up a Baltimore Orioles reliever who'd be an excellent fit for the Phillies if they target a high-leverage arm.

"Obviously," Kelly writes. "Félix Bautista of the Orioles would be a great fit, but considering he can't become a free agent until after 2027, the price figures to be very high on him."

The Orioles, sitting at the bottom of the AL East and 6.5 games out of a Wild Card spot, could become sellers at the trade deadline. One of their best players on the market, if they did sell, would be Bautista. The Phillies, with a massive need in the bullpen, would be a top suitor for the Orioles' closer.

The 30-year-old closer has been a force through his three seasons in the MLB. He was an All-Star in 2023, and in 2024, he has a 2.70 ERA and might be on his way to another All-Star nod.

Bautista would elevate the back-end of the Phillies' bullpen and add a much-needed righty to replace Romano amid his struggles in 2025. But, as Kelly mentions, it would cost a lot to acquire someone of his caliber.

However, the Phillies are in win-now mode, and with Zack Wheeler expected to retire after 2027, their window of contention lines up with Bautista's control. There is a lot of speculation surrounding what the Phillies will do at the deadline, but Bautista would be among the best fits for the Phillies.

With a desperate need in the bullpen, the Phillies are once again linked to Bautista of the Orioles. They have the prospects and talent to make a trade work, even if it is expensive. Bautista is one of the best arms on the market, and he'd be a huge addition to a bullpen in dire need of help.

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

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