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The Philadelphia Phillies will be adding relievers at the trade deadline. It’s just a matter of how many and for what price.
As the deadline nears, the Phillies continue to search for someone who can be effective in high-leverage situations. Jim Bowden of The Athletic believes Felix Bautista should be the top choice for Philadelphia.
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“The Phillies’ front office is determined to land a dominant back-end-of-the-bullpen reliever, and I’m sure they will do so before the trade deadline,” wrote Bowden. “If the Orioles don’t get back in the race, Bautista could be the Phillies’ best option to take over the ninth inning.”
Bautista has been dominant so far this year for a struggling Orioles team, and he has been one of the few bright spots. However, closers will be a hot commodity at the deadline, and the length of his contract will play a part in helping to make the trade worthwhile for both teams.
“Bautista is under team control through 2027 and has a 3.32 ERA and 12 saves this season,” wrote Bowden. “He has not allowed a run in six of his past seven appearances and appears to be making progress in getting closer to his pre-Tommy John surgery form.”
The 29-year-old flamethrower would provide a major spark to the Phillies bullpen as they try to stay alive in the race for the National League East title. Philadelphia would benefit from a closer who is converting on 92% of his save opportunities.
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