Despite the fact that the Phillies landed arguably the best reliever on the market when they sent two highly regarded pitching prospects to the Angels for closer Carlos Estévez, the front office is still looking for bullpen help, according to Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic.
Philadelphia’s relief corps has been about average overall, but their 6.08 ERA this month is only better than the Red Sox’s 6.38. Estévez should anchor the ninth inning, but the Phillies could look for another setup option to complement Jeff Hoffman, Matt Strahm, and Orion Kerkering. The Phillies lost some middle relief depth with the trade of Seranthony Domínguez to Baltimore for Austin Hays. Currently, Philadelphia possesses José Ruiz and Yunior Marte in low-leverage situations.
The Philadelphia Phillies have one of the league’s most aggressive front offices, and they continued that trend in the Estévez trade. While center field may be a weak point, if the White Sox hold Luis Robert Jr., it would be a thin market.
Tanner Scott is the top reliever who will almost certainly be moved by tomorrow evening. The Phillies are unlikely to sign two of the best rental closers available. This morning, ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel made a very loose connection between the Phillies and A’s flamethrowing setup man Lucas Erceg. Estévez’s former teammate Luis García, as well as John Brebbia and Austin Adams, may be available for trade.
