Three relievers Phillies should consider at MLB trade deadline

The Phillies have been reluctant to deal their top three prospects: pitcher Andrew Painter, infielder Aidan Miller and outfielder Justin Crawford. Given that Colorado dealt franchise player Nolan Arenado for pennies, it would be surprising if Bird came at a high price. He is eligible for arbitration following the season.

Aroldis Chapman, LHP, Boston Red Sox

Now in his age-37 season, Chapman has been an effective closer for the Red Sox, saving nine games. The seven-time All-Star has a 1.88 ERA in 24 innings pitched, striking out 32 batters and walking nine. Perhaps most impressive of all is that he still has his velocity, averaging 98-100 mph. 

Another appealing aspect of Chapman is his ample postseason experience. He may be remembered for allowing some pretty devastating playoff home runs, but he has a 2.37 ERA in 18 career postseason series, including 10 saves.

What was once thought of as a promising season for Boston has quickly fallen apart, and the team sits at 29-33, fourth in the American League East. It is likely to be a seller at the deadline, and Chapman would be a perfect rental arm.

Felix Bautista, RHP, Baltimore Orioles

The Phillies and Orioles were trade partners at last year's deadline, so it's not too far-fetched to believe they could be again. In 2024, Philadelphia sent two of its relievers, Gregory Soto and Seranthony Dominguez, in separate trades for Austin Hays, Moises Chace and Seth Johnson.

Perhaps the Phillies would be interested in a reunion with either Soto or Dominguez, but the pair has ERAs of 4.58 and 5.06, respectively, so maybe that's not the best idea. The club should look into acquiring Bautista. 

He didn't make his MLB debut until he was 27, but was incredible across his first two seasons, with a 1.85 ERA and 0.92 WHIP in 126.2 innings, saving 48 games. He was named an All-Star in 2023, but then missed the entirety of the 2024 campaign due to Tommy John surgery.

In his return to the mound this year, Bautista hasn't been quite as dominant as he was before the surgery, but he's put up a respectable 3.86 ERA and saved 10 games for the Orioles. His two-year, $2M deal will expire at the end of the season, and he will be eligible for arbitration.