Phillies Eyeing Pirates Relievers to Boost Bullpen Depth

The Philadelphia Phillies are sitting at 53-37, which is nothing to sneeze at. They’re eyeing their fourth straight postseason, but there’s an issue that just won’t go away: the bullpen.

With a 4.32 ERA, ranking 23rd in the league, the relief pitching has been all over the place. Management is on the hunt for upgrades as the MLB trade deadline creeps closer.

Bob Nightengale from USA Today reports that the Phillies are zeroing in on Pittsburgh Pirates relievers David Bednar and Dennis Santana. Both could bring some much-needed grit and steadiness to those late innings.

The Phillies’ Bullpen Woes: A Persistent Problem

The lineup and starters have shown up this season. But the bullpen? It’s been shaky, especially in tight games.

Jordan Romano, expected to lock things down as closer, just hasn’t delivered. There’s a growing sense of doubt about whether this group can hold up in October.

Why David Bednar Could Be the Answer

David Bednar looks like a real fix for Philly’s late-game headaches. He’s carrying a 2.73 ERA, 12 saves, and a career-best 12.7 strikeouts per nine innings over 33 appearances for the Pirates.

He started the year a bit off in Triple-A, but he’s fought his way back with sharper command over his fastball and splitter. Bednar has racked up 42 strikeouts in just under 30 innings, and he’s flat-out better than Romano right now.

He’s got the kind of confidence you want when the game’s on the line. That could mean everything for the Phillies as the pressure ramps up.

Dennis Santana: The Sleeper Star Philadelphia Needs

Dennis Santana isn’t a household name, but maybe he should be. The 27-year-old righty has quietly posted a 1.42 ERA in 38 games.

Since early June, he’s barely allowed a thing—no earned runs and just a single hit in his last seven outings. Against NL East teams, he’s given up only two earned runs over 12 1/3 innings.

Santana’s Value in High-Leverage Situations

Santana stands out for his cool under pressure. His 1.8 WAR is higher than any current Phillies reliever, which says a lot.

He’s got precise control and doesn’t flinch in tough spots. If Philadelphia adds him, their odds in close games shoot up fast.

Strategic Impact of Acquiring Bednar or Santana

The Phillies have never been shy about chasing upgrades. Landing Bednar or Santana would give them a real weapon in high-leverage moments.

It’d take some of the weight off a tired bullpen and let the starters hand off leads without so much anxiety. Moves like this show the front office means business about chasing a World Series.

Potential Challenges in Pulling Off a Trade

But it’s not simple. The Pirates know what they have in Bednar and Santana, and they’re rebuilding, so they’ll want a lot in return.

The Phillies might have to give up top prospects or even established players to get a deal done. It’s a tough call—do you go all-in now, or worry about the future?

Final Thoughts: The Phillies’ Path Forward

The MLB trade deadline is coming up fast, and the Philadelphia Phillies are at a real crossroads. They’ve got a strong record and postseason dreams, but the bullpen still needs help.

David Bednar and Dennis Santana could actually fix that. Each pitcher brings something different, and there’s real potential for them to shake up the Phillies’ rotation in a good way.

Sure, the price to get either player will be high. But if the Phillies want to be taken seriously in October, maybe it’s time to pay up.

Will the front office take that leap? Nobody knows for sure yet. But for a team this hungry for a championship, the stakes feel sky-high right now.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Phillies Reportedly Keeping Tabs on Multiple Pirates Relievers