Phillies Rumors: Phillies connected as best fit for under-the-radar closer

The Philadelphia Phillies are busy making calls around the league for a couple of specific things as the July 30 trade deadline edges closer and closer. We know that the Phillies' front office is looking for role players, in the form of an outfielder, and a bullpen depth piece.

• Ranking 5 potential Phillies bullpen trade deadline targets

A new bullpen name may be emerging on the trade market soon, and it’s a name the Phillies should take a serious look at as they shop around for high-leverage relief arms. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Texas Rangers are getting close to being trade deadline sellers. At least that’s what rival executives believe.

“Barring a dramatic turnaround, rival GMs expect the Rangers to make starters Max Scherzer, Michael Lorenzen and Andrew Heaney available, along with relievers David Robertson and Kirby Yates,” writes Nightengale.

Phillies Rumors: Phillies connected as best fit for under-the-radar closer

It’s the last name on that list that should interest the Phillies. Kirby Yates has flown under the radar this season, thanks to the Rangers playing to a 45-50 record. The 2023 World Series champions are 6.0 games back in the AL West and 7.5 back of the third AL Wild Card entering play on Sunday.

MLB.com's Mark Feinsand says the Phillies are one of the best fits for the right-hander.

Despite the Rangers’ lackluster campaign, Yates is putting together a phenomenal season, earning his second-career All-Star invitation. The 37-year-old right-hander is 3-1 and a perfect 15-for-15 in save opportunities. His 0.81 ERA is first in the majors among qualified relievers and his 0.87 WHIP is the 10th lowest. With a 12.42 K/9, he’s holding opposing hitters to a .124 batting average.

With the Phillies looking for another arm to add to one of the league’s best relief corps, Yates would be a great fit. The veteran has been in the majors since 2014 but only got his first taste of postseason baseball last year while with the Atlanta Braves, as brief as that was.

On an expiring contract, Yates would be a short-term rental, so the Rangers could only ask for so much despite the reliever's numbers. Snagging Yates would add another reliable weapon to the back end of the Phillies bullpen, which manager Rob Thomson has utilized fluidly this season.