The Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets are two of the best teams in baseball this season, entering MLB games today 10 games above the .500 mark. With both clubs poised to be sellers at the MLB trade deadline, it seems they’ll each be competing for the same position this summer.
Jim Bowen of The Athletic reports that the Phillies and Mets are going to be “chasing similar relievers” at the MLB trade deadline, with a focus specifically on high-leverage relievers.
Related: Phillies eyeing two positions at MLB trade deadline
- Philadelphia Phillies bullpen stats (FanGraphs): 4.56 ERA, 22.6% K-rate, 1.39 WHIP, .254 batting average allowed, 9% walk rate
Even a month out from the deadline, there are already shaping up to be several sellers this summer. The Colorado Rockies, Chicago White Sox, Miami Marlins, Pittsburgh Pirates and Athletics are all going to be shopping major-league talent. Clubs are also hoping the Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles and even the Arizona Diamondbacks decide to sell off talent on expiring contracts.
New York’s bullpen is performing well this season. Closer Edwin Diaz (2.22 ERA) is pitching at an All-Star level, while Reed Garrett (0.95 ERA) and Huascar Brazoban (1.64 ERA) are thriving in the late innings. However, the Mets’ bullpen could benefit from adding another left-handed reliever since Jose Castillo (4.80 ERA) is struggling right now.
Related: Insider argues for Mets to trade for Jacob deGrom
- New York Mets bullpen stats: 2.89 ERA, .221 batting average allowed, 1.21 WHIP, 24.4% K-rate, 9.2% walk rate in 249 innings pitched
The Phillies’ bullpen is in a more dire spot, especially with Jose Alvarado ineligible for the postseason as part of his 80-game suspension. While Jordan Romano has been better as of late – 3.78 ERA in the last 18 games – more late-inning depth is necessary.
New York could focus on acquiring a top left-handed reliever, whereas Philadelphia will be eyeing both relievers and help for the lineup. While both clubs might compete for some of the same relief pitchers, there should be enough options for the Phillies and Mets to both land some of their trade targets in July.
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