Currently, with the Philadelphia Phillies in the thick of the playoff race, they will be looking to upgrade their roster at the trade deadline to further enhance the team’s chances of making the postseason. In doing so, one of the main areas they need to address is their bullpen. On paper, it appears as though they are probably set already, with big time firepower with the likes of Craig Kimbrel, José Alvarado, Seranthony Dominguez, Matt Strahm, Gregory Soto and others.
However, the quartet of Dylan Covey, Andrew Bellatti, Yunior Marte and even the electric Soto have all been underperforming so far in 2023. In addition, with both Dominguez and Alvarado currently on the IL, the Phillies could really use an upgrade or two for their bullpen right now and for the stretch run.
As a result, here we take a look at eight potential relief pitching options the Phillies should consider to bolster their relief corps at the deadline.
David Robertson, New York Mets
One of the prime candidates, David Robertson, was actually with the team just last year, helping the Phillies on their successful run right to the World Series. Despite that, the Phillies did not resign Robertson this past offseason as he joined the New York Mets through free agency. This season, Robertson has done an outstanding job with the Mets, even though the ballclub has struggled pretty much for the bulk of the year.
He has posted a 4-2 record with 13 saves, a 2.13 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, giving up only 10 earned runs all year, with 13 walks and 47 strikeouts in 42.1 innings pitched. He appears to still have a lot in the tank despite closing in on age 40 pretty soon. With the Mets pretty much out of contention as we speak, the Phillies can look to their division rivals for the reunion with Robertson, who will instantly boost them into strong contender status as a result, even if just as a rental.