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5 Phillies bullpen trade candidates from clubs already falling out of contention

Here are some top options that could be available if the Phillies decide to bolster the bullpen at the trade deadline.

By Matt Grazel

St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley is a potential Phillies' trade target
St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley is a potential Phillies' trade target / Dilip Vishwanat/GettyImages
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Mason Miller, OAK

Oakland Athletics closer Mason Miller's name has been mentioned in trade rumors recently. He has converted 12 of his 13 save opportunities this season and will require a lot in return. Should the Phillies consider a deal involving the 25-year-old and will Oakland's projected high trade demands force Philly to pursue other options?

Miller has a 2.28 ERA two months into the season. His pitch arsenal consists primarily of a four-seam fastball and a slider. He also throws a changeup and a splitter. His expected batting average (.118), expected slugging percentage (.183), weighted on-base average (.195), expected weighted on-base average (.180), strikeout rate (51.5), and expected ERA (1.28) all rank in the top one percent of MLB.

It's understandable why the Athletics' asking price is so high. Why would they consider trading such a promising player? Oakland is 25-38 and 10.0 games back of the AL West-leading Seattle Mariners.

The A's farm system ranks No. 25 in the league. If Miller continues to pitch like one of the best closers, the club may receive an offer in exchange for a few young players to boost their prospect system. He will also be under club control for five more seasons with two more pre-arbitration years remaining.

Will the Phillies entertain adding the promising closer in exchange for some of their top prospects?

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