When the Philadelphia Phillies traded for reliever Brooks Raley at the deadline this season, it initially shocked us ... but now, it has now disappointed us.
It's always strange when division rivals make trades with one another, particularly during the season. At the time though, it made sense for the Phillies. Last year, Raley had a 2.45 ERA. This season, he sported a 1.96 ERA in 41.1 innings with New York. Despite turning 38 years old, Raley looked the part as a viable reliever — and Philadelphia was desperate for one.
Unfortunately, Raley has not transitioned that success over to the Phillies. Entering the new week, Raley'd allowed five runs in his last three appearances and was responsible for blowing a lead or a save in three of his past seven outings. So, it makes us wonder: Who should the Phillies have traded for instead of Brooks Raley?
Obviously, someone like Mason Miller (who was only technically available) was a long shot to acquire, but there were plenty of options on the table. Guys like Erik Miller, Luke Weaver, and Tyler Wells are having strong seasons. It would've been ideal if the club had gone for one of those guys instead.
Phillies missed the mark on other solid relief options at the 2026 trade deadline
Erik Miller
Miller has been a lights-out lefty since making his MLB debut in 2024 with the San Francisco Giants. Through 144.2 career innings, Miller owns a 144 ERA+ and 11.1 K/9.
This season, Miller upped his game even more. He's capable of being a spot closer, logging four saves, while also throwing in big situations in the middle innings. Miller has 14 holds this year thanks to a .133 BAA with two outs and runners in scoring position. Opponents also have a .385 OPS against Miller when his team has the lead. It's hard to find many games that go south when he pitches.
Now with the Boston Red Sox, Miller has 25 strikeouts and a 1.23 ERA in 15 appearances with his new squad.
Luke Weaver
Did the Phillies trade for the wrong Met? Weaver has not fully acclimated to the Pittsburgh Pirates, but his recent success or failure is not the argument we' making for him. Weaver is a big game pitcher. This season, he's faced the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers five times. He has yet to allow a run against either postseason-bound club. Philadelphia needs someone who can handle the big moment.
Excluding last year, Weaver also has nice a track record in the postseason. In the 2024 World Series, he held the Dodgers scoreless in four appearances, which spanned five innings (though he allowed an inherited runner to score in the Yankees' Game 5 mess). In 15.1 total frames in the 2024 playoffs, Weaver boasted a 1.76 ERA with a 16/2 K/BB. Those numbers will play when the playoffs roll around.
Tyler Wells
Wells made the full transition to the bullpen this season. He was a solid starter with the Baltimore Orioles, but multiple surgeries on his elbow forced him to become a reliever.
The 6-foot-8 right-hander, now with the Tampa Bay Rays, has thrived in his new role. Overall this season, Wells has 15 holds, five wins, six saves, and a 2.38 ERA in 72 innings. With the Rays, he owns an 0.722 WHIP (entering Monday) through 18 frames. It's hard to find a pitcher who recently moved to the bullpen finding more success than Wells.
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