The Philadelphia Phillies clearly know how badly they need help in their bullpen.
On Sunday, the Phillies signed 40-year-old David Robertson in free agency, which has the potential to pay off in a big way if the righty can regain his form from last season. But counting on such a veteran arm after a long layoff is also risky.
If the Phillies can supplement Robertson with a big-name closer at the trade deadline, though, their bullpen could suddenly go from awful to formidable.
One baseball writer believes the Phillies are going to do whatever it takes to land the top closer who might be available.
On Sunday, Sportsnaut's Matt Johnson predicted that the Phillies would acquire Emmanuel Clase from the Cleveland Guardians, in what would be the most impactful bullpen trade of the year.
"This is the time for the Philadelphia Phillies to strike. There are a few All-Star closers available at the MLB trade deadline, including David Bednar, but Cleveland Guardians standout Emmanuel Clase ranks as the top option," wrote Johnson.
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"He is under control through 2028 and owed just $26.4 million total over that span, which should be viewed as a bargain for the Phillies front office. Acquiring an All-MLB First Team closer who has a 1.78 ERA and a 0,92 WHIP since 2021 would not come cheaply, but he is exactly the caliber of reliever the Philadelphia bullpen needs."
Clase, a three-time All-Star, isn't quite having the dominant year he did in 2024, when he allowed five earned runs (yes, five) in 74 1/3 innings. But a 2.86 ERA from the closer with the most games finished in baseball is more than acceptable, and he's been on fire since the start of June.
It's only one prediction, so the idea that the Phillies could lose out on Clase to another team, or that he could stay in Cleveland, is certainly still on the table.
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