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Phillies Trade Idea Lands Angels' World Series Champion Closer

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sterling Bennett | Last updated Jun 16, 2025 3:15 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies are in the thick of the National League postseason hunt. Sitting 2 ½ games behind the New York Mets for the NL East lead and holding the top spot in the Wild Card, the Phillies are expecting to be active at the trade deadline, with the bullpen being a glaring concern.

Closer Jose Alvarado is still out after an 80-game suspension and will not be eligible for the postseason. In his place, former All-Star Jordan Romano has struggled to lock down the ninth inning with a 7.11 ERA across 25.1 innings, creating further need for another late-inning reliever.

Sports Illustrated’s Nick Ziegler suggests the Phillies target Los Angeles Angels closer Kenley Jansen as a potential Romano replacement.

“One name that makes a lot of sense is the future Hall of Famer Kenley Jansen,” wrote Ziegler. “The right-hander is at the tail end of his career but has been one of the best closers in baseball for the last decade. This year, he is pitching for the Los Angeles Angels, who will be a seller at the trade deadline. Jansen will certainly be a desired pitcher with his successful track record.”

Jansen, 37, is under contract through the 2025 season, likely making him one of the cheaper bullpen arms available. In 26 appearances, the former All-Star has a 4.94 ERA, 22 strikeouts, and 14 saves through 23.2 innings. Although the numbers are unimpressive, it is Jansen’s postseason success that makes him an alluring trade target.

In 59 postseason appearances, Jansen has a 2.20 ERA, 94 strikeouts, and the second-most saves of all-time, 20, just behind Mariano Rivera. Jansen may not be the biggest name on the market, but he is the most accomplished. For a Phillies team that has fallen short of winning a World Series since 2008, acquiring Jansen could be a difference-maker come October.

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

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