The Philadelphia Phillies have been clear about their biggest need at the trade deadline and a new report has revealed how they might hope to fill it.
With arguably the best starting rotation in the sport and a batting order studded with high-priced veterans like Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, the Phillies have been open about targeting the back end of the bullpen for an external upgrade.
“By default, I would say the back end of our bullpen is the one area that we would probably (upgrade),” Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski told Julian McWilliams of CBS Sports. “And when I say back end, people that can pitch late in the game and close tight games.”
Of course, virtually every World Series contender will be looking to add a dependable arm to their relief corps. But the Phillies’ need is more pronounced than most, as they’ve blown the fourth-most saves so far this season.
As the Phillies assess the potential options, they’ve reportedly indicated interest in a pair of relievers in the American League, with one standing out as a potential star addition.
“The Phillies have a specific interest in the American League Central; they began scouting the Minnesota Twins more heavily this week in anticipation of the team being sellers, league sources said,” according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic. “Griffin Jax and Jhoan Duran will be prized targets if Minnesota makes them available.”
After a strong season last year, Jax has a concerning 4.12 ERA across 42 games so far this season and might not mark much of an upgrade for the Phillies’ closer options.
Meanwhile, Duran has a 1.52 ERA with 14 saves so far and he seems to be a better fit for the Phillies’ as a true shutdown closer. He’s earning $4.1 million this season with two more years of arbitration eligibility ahead.
Either Jax or Duran would likely cost the Phillies multiple prospects in a trade. But Gelb added that the team could be looking at this season with some urgency and might be preparing to leverage some of their best youngsters in a trade that fills a significant area of need.
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