We all know how much work the Philadelphia Phillies' bullpen needs before the end of July. The relief corps has been a source of contention for the team and its fans since the beginning of the season. Despite the bullpen being one of the worst in the majors for the balance of the season, the Phillies still hold one of the top records in baseball at 51-36.
Regardless, with the trade deadline less than a month away, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski will be looking for relief help on the trade market. Unfortunately, trade deadline season has been slow to get moving thanks to many teams still in contention for playoff spots through the Wild Cards.
Phillies eyeing up two Pirates relievers ahead of trade deadline
Dombrowski has reportedly been talking to one of the teams that will definitely not be contending for the playoffs this season, or anytime in the near future for that matter, the Pittsburgh Pirates. According to Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh, the Phillies have inquired about two Pirates relievers, and two of their best at that: closer David Bednar and setup man Dennis Santana.
Fillipponi claims that the feeling is that the Phillies could want both relievers in one deal.
Bednar, 30, is a two-time All-Star (2022 and 2023) and has bounced back this year after a down 2024 season. The right-hander has a 2.73 ERA and 1.15 WHIP and is a perfect 12-for-12 in save chances, with big-time strikeout numbers this season. With 42 punch outs in 29 2/3 innings, Bednar has a 12.74 K/9 and 34.7 percent strikeout rate. He was just named the NL Reliever of the Month for June.
David Bednar, Painted 79mph Curveball. 🖌️🎨 pic.twitter.com/sZNn21lbQB
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 2, 2025
Santana, 29, is putting together the best season of his career since debuting with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2018. The right-hander has a sparkling 1.46 ERA and 0.78 WHIP with five saves and nine holds this season. Santana doesn't have the same strikeout stuff as Bednar, with 28 strikeouts in 37 innings, but doesn't put many batters on base. He's given up just seven walks all season for a stingy 1.70 BB/9 and 5.1 percent walk rate.
How much water this rumor holds remains to be seen. Dombrowski usually operates in the shadows, with leaks a rare thing from the Phillies' camp. The fact that this came from a source in Pittsburgh makes it somewhat more believable.
The Phillies' bullpen has a 4.42 ERA on the year, which ranks 24th in the majors. It wasn't much better in June either, posting a 4.21 ERA, which ranks 21st. Despite the suspended José Alvarado being available to the team for the final month and a half of the season, the big lefty isn't an option for the postseason, so additions need to be made. If the Phillies can do their trade deadline bullpen shopping in one deal, then it would behoove Dombrowski and his front office to get it done.