Trading Phillies’ bullpen arms could plug major holes, yet the cost of doing so could reshape the team’s future. DD
Everyone wants more pitching.
The Philadelphia Phillies will be busy this offseason exploring help from outside the organization to upgrade their roster. They have been big spenders in recent years, and 2026 looks to be the same. It will be a little different, however, with players leaving for free agency and the team also possibly looking to revamp their identity as a playoff contender.
The Phillies are usually the ones looking to bring in new names via free agency or the trade market. This offseason presents a different possible scenario and could lead them to possibly trade one of their top relievers for a prospect.
Phillies receiving trade interest in lefty bullpen arms Matt Strahm, Tanner Banks and José Alvarado
According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Phillies have fielded calls steadily regarding their left-handed relievers (subscription required). The free agent market is lacking lefty relievers and Matt Strahm, Tanner Banks and José Alvarado would be among the top available arms on the trade market.
Strahm pitched to a 2.74 ERA and will be paid $7.5 million. Banks racked up a 3.07 ERA and will look to fetch around $1 million. Alvarado pitched to a 3.81 ERA during a season shortened by suspension and will make $9 million after his club option was exercised.
While losing any of those three would create a void in the bullpen, they can still upgrade in free agency after trading away some arms to maintain a strong bullpen around Jhoan Duran.
It could be an opportunity where they could include a reliever in a trade for an outfield bat.
There are names like explosive talent Jarren Duran that they could go for with a crowded Boston Red Sox outfield. The Los Angeles Angels were rumored to be interested in moving either of their corner outfielders Jo Adell and Taylor Ward. The Phillies have already been connected to a deal there, even with Ward being dealt to the Orioles on Tuesday. There’s also the Milwaukee Brewers, who constantly listen to offers on their current roster. The Phillies could try to trade for speedster Sal Frelick.
The Phillies need all the bullpen help they can get, but there is an upside to getting a potential mid-level prospect or outfield piece in return for one of their bullpen arms, as Gelb suggests might be the case. The Phillies need to replenish the farm system after trades have let the well run a little too dry. They also battle with one of the top payrolls in baseball every season, so saving some money now will help them go after some other relievers on cheaper deals.
The Phillies have to capitalize on all possibilities to better their roster. You can’t always sign the biggest free agent. While fielding calls on some of their top bullpen arms, they should at least listen to what’s out there to see what kind of return will help the club beyond just next season.
