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Phillies Targeting Pirates' 1.46 ERA Reliever As 'Primary Interest' at Trade Deadline

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Jul 5, 2025 1:05 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies are, unsurprisingly, invested in the relief pitching market. After losing Jose Alvarado for a while and the postseason, along with the Jordan Romano disappointment, Philadelphia needs more relief pitching help.

According to Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette , the Phillies have interest in Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Dennis Santana. Not only are the Phillies interested, but he's one of the team's top targets.

"Sanata, per sources, seems to be Philadelphia's primary interest, at least for now." Hiles writes. "The Post-Gazette was told that the Phillies have thought highly of Santana for quite some time -- and now could be their chance to strike."

This report from Hiles is a clear one: the Phillies are interested in acquiring Santana at the trade deadline. Not only are they interested, but they have been interested in the 29-year-old reliever for a while.

For the Phillies, landing Santana would be a nice addition. The righty reliever has been a journeyman through his MLB career, but since being claimed off waivers in 2024 by Pittsburgh, he's been incredible.

Santana in 2024 had a 2.44 ERA in 39 games for the Pirates in his best season to date. He's eclipsed that performance this season. He has a 1.46 ERA in 37 appearances this season and has been one of baseball's best relievers in 2025.

He's in the middle of a true breakout season, and Philadelphia would be getting a great righty reliever if they can land him. Not only would he help this season, but he's under team control for 2026 as well.

With the Pirates set to sell, and the Phillies having "primary interest" in Santana, there should be little stopping a deal from happening. He'd be a nice complement to the bullpen and help take over for Romano amid his struggles this season.

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

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