Phillies Predicted Not to Acquire a Hitter, Focus on Fixing Leaky Bullpen

Phillies Predicted Not to Acquire a Hitter, Focus on Fixing Leaky Bullpen originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

At the 2025 MLB trade deadline, the Philadelphia Phillies are expected to be one of the more aggressive teams in baseball. With needs in the bullpen and in center field, the Phillies could look to add to either position.

But, in an article from The Athletic making bold predictions for every team, the Phillies writer, Matt Gelb, shared a bold prediction that could disappoint fans.

Gelb predicts that, "They do not acquire a hitter in a July trade." He elaborates on why such a prediction could happen and where they could go instead.

"Their priority is to remake a leaky bullpen by adding relievers with swing-and-miss stuff." Gelb writes, "While the Phillies could use more right-handed power for their lineup, they won't find the kind of upgrade they want. So they'll double down on creating the best group of pitchers they can."

Landing a right-handed slugging center fielder would be the ideal trade deadline move. But such a player, who's available, doesn't exist. That leads Gelb to predict the Phillies will focus entirely on remaking the bullpen.

Jordan Romano has struggled. Jose Alvarado is suspended for the postseason. Joe Ross has been a letdown. Matt Strahm and Orion Kerkering have been good, but are shaky at times.

Adding a reliever, regardless of what the outfield situation looks like, is a massive priority for the team. While a new outfielder to replace Max Kepler would be nice, with how leaky the bullpen is, such a move would be a luxury.

The Phillies have the best starting rotation in baseball, led by Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sanchez, and Ranger Suarez. Such a rotation can lead the Phillies to wins in high-profile series at the end of the year.

But their leaky bullpen could end a postseason run, regardless of how well the starters are doing. Adding an outfielder, or a hitter in general, would be nice. But, with the massive issue in the bullpen, the offensive need can be put on the back burner.

Gelb predicts that the Phillies won't land an offensive upgrade, instead focusing all of their resources on the bullpen. While it may disappoint Phillies fans not to land a hitter at the deadline, if it results in a massively improved bullpen, that disappointing feeling may subside.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 18, 2025, where it first appeared.