A Phillies-Rangers trade to solidify back end of the bullpen

The Philadelphia Phillies bullpen has been one of the main strengths fueling their success in 2024, led by Jeff Hoffman, Orion Kerkering, Matt Strahm and their sub-2.00 ERAs. But as good as they have been, there is still room for improvement, as they have blown a total of 14 saves on the season collectively.

Adding a proven shutdown reliever at the trade deadline should be a priority for the Phillies to help boost their relief corps for the stretch run. With that in mind, a prime target who could be available is closer Kirby Yates from the Texas Rangers.

MLB.com's Mark Feinsand lists the Phillies as a top fit for the right-hander, so long as the Rangers end up moving expiring contracts. So what would it take to bring the 10-year veteran to Philadelphia?

A Phillies-Rangers trade to solidify back end of the bullpen

Given that Yates’ contract expires at the end of the 2024 season, he would likely be strictly a rental for the Phillies. In addition, the Rangers are loaded with right-handed pitching prospects in their system but severely lack quality southpaws. Therefore, the following trade proposal should work out for both parties.

In Yates, the Phillies get arguably one of the best closers this season. Despite playing for a struggling Rangers squad in 2024, Yates has been exceptional whenever called upon. In 34 appearances, he has a 3-1 record with a 1.05 ERA and 0.90 WHIP, giving up just four earned runs all season while walking 16 and striking out 46 in just 34 1/3 innings of work. More importantly, he's a perfect 16-for-16 in save situations.

In joining the Phillies, Yates could become the team’s closer down the stretch, given some of the finicky struggles José Alvarado has had this year since moving into the role. Even if the Phillies don’t end up deploying Yates in that role, he would be a superb late-inning option in tight ball games.

As for the Rangers, they would get promising lefty pitching prospect Samuel Aldegheri. Just moved up to No. 6 on Baseball America’s Phillies Top 30 Prospects list (subscription required), Aldegheri has put together a strong 2024 minor league campaign.

With the Phillies’ High-A affiliate Jersey Shore BlueClaws, he has posted a 6-5 record with a tidy 3.18 ERA and 1.06 WHIP with 28 walks and a whopping 95 strikeouts in just 68 innings pitched over 13 starts. After such an impressive performance, Aldegheri was recently promoted to Double-A. He struck out eight batters over five innings in his debut start for the Reading Fightin Phils.

The Phillies could add a huge difference maker who could anchor the bullpen down the stretch, while the Rangers would get a promising prospect with enormous potential who could pan out to be a solid middle to back end of the rotation piece in the future. With a win-win scenario in place for both clubs, with Yates being a hot commodity come the trade deadline, it's a deal that the Phillies should actively pursue as soon as possible before it’s too late.