The Philadelphia Phillies finally got to work fixing their beleaguered bullpen on Sunday when they agreed to a deal with old friend David Robertson (subscription required), as The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported. The veteran right-hander will rejoin the Phillies for the remainder of the season after a recent showcase for interested teams went well.
Robertson's third stint in Philadelphia comes with the 40-year-old making roughly $5 million on a prorated $16 million contract. It's not the be-all and end-all for the Phillies as they attempt to shore up their bullpen for the second half and the postseason, but it's certainly a start.
Phillies need to make more moves after signing David Robertson
We can definitely expect Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski and his front office to continue working the phones as the July 31 trade deadline approaches. So what's next for the Phillies now that Robertson is back?
Phillies still need to trade for top-end bullpen arm
Robertson's addition to the bullpen will help depth- and experience-wise. He posted a 3.00 ERA with 99 strikeouts in 72 innings with the Texas Rangers last season, so if he resembles that pitcher in any way it will be one more option manager Rob Thomson can trust.
However, the Phillies still need to add a legitimate back-end reliever, preferably a top-end closer. Acquiring someone who they can plug-and-play without performance concerns would be nice. The top name that comes to mind is Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase. It would cost a big haul, but he might not even be available.
After Clase, the Minnesota Twins' pair of Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax are next up on the list of desirable relief arms. The Phillies have already been rumored to be watching both high-velocity hurlers, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale. There's also the Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar and setup man Dennis Santana, about whom the Phillies have reportedly been in talks.
Phillies fans will take any of these options. More than one if possible.
Adding any bat that would help the offense
The bullpen has received a lot of the attention from the fans and media, but the lineup could also use some help. Adding another right-handed bat would help balance the lineup, but in reality, any bat that has some life would help the Phillies right now.
Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan should be on the Phillies' wish list, even if he does hit from the left side. The two-time All-Star puts the ball in play with elite bat-to-ball skills. He also plays Gold Glove defense, winning the award three straight years in left field. Kwan is No. 2 in ESPN's updated trade deadline rankings, which also lists the Phillies as the best fit for the 27-year-old, who is still under club control through 2027.
Other outfielders that could be Phillies fits, according to ESPN, include the Boston Red Sox's sparkplug Jarren Duran, Cedric Mullins of the Baltimore Orioles and Luis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox. They also list the Los Angeles Angels' Taylor Ward, who just rampaged through Citizens Bank Park over the weekend, as a fit in Philly.
Anything would be better than what the Phillies have received from Max Kepler this season.
It's time to say goodbye to Max Kepler
Speaking of Max Kepler, it's time for the Phillies to cut bait with the one-year free agent signing. Since inking his $10 million deal in the offseason, the 32-year-old left fielder has slashed .204/.299/.361 with 10 home runs and 31 RBIs in 321 plate appearances. He's done all that while having the audacity to complain about his playing time.
The Phillies have let Kepler hang around longer than the leash they gave Whit Merrifield last season, but time is running out. Whether it's a trade deadline deal (see above) that pushes Kepler out of the door, or promotion of top prospect Justin Crawford, it would be surprising to see him on the roster past July 31.
Max Kepler batting average
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) July 20, 2025
Last 7 games -- .111
Last 15 games -- .181
Last 30 games -- .187
RISP for season -- .151#Phillies
The left-handed hitting Kepler isn't providing the Phillies with any value and has now been moved into a platoon role with Weston Wilson, per Destiny Lugardo of Phillies Nation. That's sure to rub him the wrong way, and the Phillies don't need any bad juju in the clubhouse right now.
Phillies fans won't be sad to see the last of Kepler this season, and with 10 days until the trade deadline, now's the time to pull the plug.