As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the Philadelphia Phillies are expected to bolster their bullpen. The need became even more urgent after José Alvarado began serving an 80-game suspension for violating MLB’s performance-enhancing drug policy, leaving the team without one of its key relievers until mid-August.
Former MLB general manager and current The Athletic analyst Jim Bowden identified Baltimore Orioles closer Félix Bautista as his top choice to help strengthen the Phillies’ bullpen. Bowden noted that Philadelphia’s priority is to land a dominant reliever for high-leverage situations. In addition to Bautista, he mentioned Mason Miller, Kenley Jansen, Kyle Finnegan, Aroldis Chapman, and David Bednar as potential trade targets.
Bautista, who missed the 2024 season recovering from Tommy John surgery, has notched 14 saves with a 3.04 ERA in 24 appearances this year. While his ERA and walk rate are higher than in previous seasons, he’s posted a 1.00 ERA over his last nine outings and looks to be regaining his pre-surgery form.
If the Orioles fall out of playoff contention and decide to trade players, Bautista could be a top option for teams needing bullpen reinforcements. The Phillies might find him particularly appealing because of his affordable $1 million salary for 2025 and two remaining years of arbitration eligibility, keeping him under team control through 2027.
Philadelphia’s bullpen decisions last offseason haven’t paid off. The team let Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez leave in free agency, signing Jordan Romano instead. Estévez has excelled with 19 saves and a 2.05 ERA for the Royals, while Hoffman’s ERA is high, but his 17 saves are among the league’s best. Romano has struggled with consistency.
The Phillies could target not only Bautista but also a left-handed reliever to fill Alvarado’s role in critical spots, possibly aiming to add multiple bullpen arms before the deadline.
