A trade idea from ESPN sees the Philadelphia Phillies acquiring a pair of impact relievers to solidify their bullpen for a pennant race.
The Philadelphia Phillies are competing for the top spot in the NL East and will look to bolster their roster ahead of the July 31 Major League Baseball trade deadline.
One area of need for the Phillies is the bullpen, as Jordan Romano - their high-profile signing - has struggled. With that, ESPN analyst Eric Karabell shares an idea that would see Philadelphia acquire David Bednar and Dennis Santana from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
“Pittsburgh trades both right-handers for catcher Eduardo Tait. The Phillies are not merely one relief pitcher short. Even with David Robertson and Jose Alvarado (but not for the playoffs) on the way and rumors of a starter or two (Jesus Luzardo?) heading to relief, they need multiple additions,” Karabell wrote. “Bednar, a Pennsylvania native who even attended college (Lafayette) in the state, turned his season around after a rough April (and rougher 2024). Santana is a journeyman. Perhaps the 18-year-old Tait is the next Carlos Ruiz (both from Panama), but this franchise cannot wait three or four years. It must act now.”
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Tait is the Phillies’ fourth-ranked prospect, as the 18-year-old catching prospect would be a big get for Pittsburgh.
But the Phillies would solidify the bullpen as Bednar can help close games for Philadelphia. Bednar has another year of club control and is 2-5 with a 2.37 ERA in 42 games.
Santana, meanwhile, would be a high-leverage reliever as he’s 3-2 with a 1.39 ERA in 45 games. He can also close games if needed, but adding two impact relievers is key for the Phillies and their pennant race.
Philadelphia is 60-46 and 1.5 games back of the Mets for first place in the NL East.
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Category: Baseball
