Report: Phillies Interested in Pirates Relievers Bednar, Santana

The Phillies need to stabilize the back end of the bullpen at the trade deadline. Orion Kerkering has been seeing more opportunities to close as of late. He has recorded his first two saves and two holds in his last seven outings. Additionally, Jordan Romano has been moved out of a high-leverage role, not recording a save since May 29, with one hold since then coming on June 16. The Phillies seem to be focusing on right-handed relief pitchers in trade talks, and the pair of Pirates pitchers fits that criteria. This is probably because one of the Phillies’ left-handed starting pitchers would be in the bullpen during a potential postseason run.

Phillies Inquiring About Pair Of Pirates Pitchers

Rebound Leading To Trade Interest In Bednar

Bednar got optioned to Triple-A after recording a 27.00 ERA and a 6.00 WHIP in three March games. Since returning to the major league roster, he has a 1.88 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP in 30 games. Overall this season, Bednar has a 2-5 record with a 2.73 ERA and 12 saves in 33 games. He also has a 1.146 WHIP along with a career-best 4.67 K/BB rate this year in the majors. Bednar has a 2.15 FIP this season, along with a 7.4% HR/FB allowed rate and a 0.61 HR/9 allowed rate. One advantage of trading for Bednar compared to other options is that he is under team control through the 2026 season. He is in his age-30 season.

Santana’s Breakout Generating Buzz

After moving around the league and having little to no success, Santana is in the midst of a breakout season. In 2025, he has a 1-5 record with a 1.46 ERA and five saves in 37 outings. He also has a career-best 0.784 WHIP along with a 4.00 K/BB rate and a 2.49 FIP. Furthermore, Santana has a 2.6% HR/FB allowed rate and a 0.24 HR/9 allowed rate. Those are both career highs in a season where Santana has at least 25 innings pitched. He is also under team control through the 2026 season, which makes him a more intriguing trade candidate for the Phillies. Santana is in the midst of his age-29 season.

Big Picture Implications

The Phillies could decide to trade for the pair of Pirates relief pitchers in a package deal. This would benefit the team beyond the 2025 season. Romano and Joe Ross are both free agents after this season. Both have had up and down years. Adding Bednar would give the Phillies an additional pitcher who has extensive closing experience. Santana can close as well and would help solidify the setup role. Ideally, the Phillies will trade for at least one relief pitcher who can be a full-time closer. The constant rotation of who is handling closing duties has negatively affected the Phillies’ bullpen over the last few years.