The Phillies are rumored to be interested in reuniting with this pitcher

The Philadelphia Phillies are reported to be interesting in reuniting with Aaron Loup

Second time’s the charm? That’s what the Philadelphia Phillies are supposedly hoping, as they’re rumored to be interested in a reunion with Aaron Loup.

The southpaw pitched briefly for the Phillies in 2018, but has been much improved since. Over 93 games with the Padres, Rays, and Mets between 2019-21, he posted a 1.38 ERA with 13 games closed. He’s only allowed four home runs over the last three seasons.

Loup excelled with the Phillies’ division-rival Mets in 2021, posting a 0.95 ERA over 65 appearances, including his first two career starts. Over 56 2/3 innings, he only allowed six earned runs all year, and just one home run. By season’s end, Loup had become the 13th reliever in MLB history to post an ERA under 1.00 over 50+ innings.

All in all, Loup was one of the best signings of last offseason, especially seeing as he only cost the Mets $3M.

Ironically, one of Loup’s only poor pitching moments this season came against the Phillies. He was thrown into the fire in his Mets debut on April 5, entering in the eighth with the bases full of Phillies. The Mets were up 2-0 at the time, but Loup gave up a hit, hit a batter, and allowed two unearned runs to score. It was his first blown save of the season, a failure he would not repeat until the end of August.

The Phillies have made it clear that their offseason priorities are, as expected, the bullpen and outfield. They sent Andrew McCutchen and Odúbel Herrera into free agency, along with numerous pitchers.

Of course, there is no guarantee that Loup wouldn’t regress once back in Philadelphia. He posted a 4.50 ERA over nine appearances after the Phils acquired him from the Blue Jays. There’s also no guarantee the Phillies can win him back, as Loup reportedly wants to return to the Mets, and with his numbers this season, there’s no reason they won’t make him an offer.