The Philadelphia Phillies enter the second half of the 2025 season a half-game ahead of the New York Mets in the National League East. At 55-41, they own the third-best record in the Senior Circuit.
There are some holes that they will need to fill in order to make a run at a World Series title this coming October. Fortunately, the trade deadline is right around the corner.
The bullpen is an area of concern for the Phils. They certainly are missing Carlos Estevez and Jeff Hoffman, and they are also without Jose Alvarado.
Sam Blum of The Athletic predicted that the Washington Nationals will trade closer Kyle Finnegan to a division rival. The Phillies were among the possible fit.
"Now on an expiring contract, he’s of no use to a team that is far out of the playoff race, largely because of its awful bullpen. But Finnegan has been good, and two division rivals can use some help, namely the Phillies and Mets. Philly’s Dave Dombrowski is known to be willing to trade prospects at the deadline," Blum wrote.
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Finnegan is 1-3 in 35 appearances with a 3.12 ERA and 18 saves with the Nationals. But with the Nationals out of contention, it would make sense for them to shop him.
The Phillies have a strong farm system and could spare a few prospects to land Finnegan and bolster their bullpen. Jordan Romano hasn't lived up to expectations, having posted a 7.29 ERA in 37 appearances.
And so, it would make sense for Philadelphia to pursue a closer-type pitcher, and Finnegan certainly fits the bill. Trades within the same division are rare, but never impossible.
Perhaps the Phillies have enough prospects to make a deal to acquire the 33-year-old right-hander. He would prove to be a valuable addition for a team in need of bullpen help.
We'll see if the Phillies and Nationals can work out a deal in the coming weeks.
More MLB: Phillies predicted to acquire solid $6 million closer from NL East rival