The Philadelphia Phillies are one of the best teams in baseball this season, positioning themselves to be buyers at the MLB trade deadline. With multiple needs to address, the team has had recent talks with a National League club about two players.
According to Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Phillies have inquired with the Pittsburgh Pirates about the availability of relief pitchers Dennis Santana and David Bednar. Philadelphia has reportedly had a long-standing interest in both pitchers.
Related: Philadelphia Phillies game today, Phillies schedule
- Philadelphia Phillies bullpen stats (FanGraphs): 4.41 ERA (24th in MLB), 1.37 WHIP (23rd in MLB)
Both relievers are known to be available, as Pittsburgh intends to be aggressive sellers at the MLB trade deadline. Santana, who carries a $1.4 million salary this season, is arbitration-eligible for the 2026 season. The 29-year-old righty holds a 1.46 ERA and 0.78 WHIP across 37 innings pitched this season, holding opponents to a .172 batting average.
Bednar, a two-time All-Star selection, is making $5.9 million this season and is arbitration-eligible for the final time this winter. After a rough start to the season, a 5.52 ERA in 14.2 innings, Bednar has thrown 15 shutout innings with a 20-4 K-BB ratio and just six hits allowed since May 24.
Santana is the more cost-effective option, but Bednar’s closing experience could make him an ideal fit for Philadelphia. With the club struggling to find a viable outfielder in the trade market, the team could instead add multiple relievers this month.
More About:MLB