The Philadelphia Phillies are in a tight race to win the National League East this season and may need help in their bullpen to pull it off.
The Phillies’ bullpen has been inconsistent, particularly Jordan Romano, who has a 6.82 ERA and a 4.38 FIP in 35 games in 2025.
With the Major League Baseball trade deadline approaching, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski could be on the lookout for hard-throwing relievers for the later innings of games.
Phillies Predicted to Trade for Three-Time All-Star
More than a dozen relievers could be on the trade market come July 31, and the Philadelphia Phillies may capitalize on the opportunity to add multiple arms.
One of the teams rumored to be sellers is the Cleveland Guardians, who are 5-15 in their last 20 games and snapped a 10-game losing streak on Monday night against the Houston Astros.
“Reports from league insiders confirm that the Guardians are open to moving several veterans and even some controllable stars. The most prominent names surfacing in trade rumors are first baseman Carlos Santana, outfielder Lane Thomas, and All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase,” Clutch Points’ Garrett Kerman wrote Tuesday.
“While Santana and Thomas are impending free agents who make sense as rental upgrades for contenders, Clase represents a potential franchise-altering trade chip.”
In 2025, Emmanuel Clase has 19 saves and is averaging 8.9 strikeouts per nine innings. His cutter, which reaches 99.1 mph, is one of the best pitches in baseball.
“After surveying the market and weighing the needs of various contenders, the most likely blockbuster deal before the deadline is Emmanuel Clase being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies,” wrote Kerman.
“The Phillies, locked in a tight NL East race and desperate for bullpen stability, have the prospect capital and the motivation to make a bold move. Their bullpen has been inconsistent, and adding Clase would give them a dominant ninth-inning presence for multiple playoff runs.”
The Trade Proposal
In Kerman’s trade proposal, the Philadelphia Phillies acquire Clase, and the Cleveland Guardians acquire prospects Justin Crawford, Griff McGary, and Aidan Miller.
“For Cleveland, moving Clase is about maximizing value and aligning with a new competitive window. Crawford brings elite speed and defensive upside, potentially anchoring center field for years to come,” wrote Kerman.”Miller, a recent first-round pick, offers power and positional flexibility on the infield. McGarry, though inconsistent, has the stuff to develop into a mid-rotation starter or high-leverage reliever.”
Adding Clase would give the Phillies one of the best closers in MLB and stability behind top-of-the-line starters like Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola.
“For the Phillies, acquiring Clase is a clear statement of intent. Their bullpen has been their Achillesâ heel, and Claseâs presence could be the difference in a tightly contested division,” Kerman wrote. “With their core locked in for the next several seasons, Philadelphia can afford to part with prospects to chase a championship.”
Internal Options
Instead of acquiring Clase, the Philadelphia Phillies could choose a pitcher within the organization to close games.
Options include lefties Matt Strahm and Tanner Banks, and right-hander Orion Kerkering, who recorded his first career save on June 16 against the Miami Marlins.
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