The Philadelphia Phillies’ bullpen needs an obvious facelift.
Throughout the season, the Phillies have struggled to close out games, as evidenced by the fact that eight different pitchers have recorded saves. They don’t really have a blueprint for the end of games, but that’s more a talent issue than a lack of a solid plan.
Landing at least one high-leverage arm has to be a top priority for president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski. Maybe it’s a proven closer, or maybe it’s a talented setup man who can give the Phillies more talent in their mix-and-match formula.
On Thursday, Yahoo Sports’ Russell Dorsey suggested the latter–Griffin Jax of the Minnesota Twins.
In an article of pre-deadline mock trades, Dorsey proposed a deal that would send Jax to the Phillies for outfield prospect Justin Crawford and first base prospect Keaton Anthony.
“He might not be a closer, but for a team in serious need of high-leverage arms, right-hander Griffin Jax could be the answer to the Phillies’ prayers. Jax is one of the best swing-and-miss relievers in baseball, with a K/9 over 14 this season. He also doesn’t walk batters, which would make manager Rob Thomson very happy,” wrote Dorsey.
Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp
“Prying a top-50 prospect away from a team is a big ask, but given Jax’s contract terms, it’s the cost of doing business here, and in Crawford, the Twins get one of the best athletes in the minors.”
Jax is 0-for-5 in save opportunities and has a 4.09 ERA, but those numbers couldn’t be more misleading. He’s put up 68 strikeouts in only 44 innings this season and his 2.07 FIP means he’s been the victim of some rotten luck.
The Phillies would also have Jax under contract for the next two full seasons–which is all the more reason they’d be asked to part ways with a top talent in the vein of Crawford to get him.
More MLB: Dodgers predicted to trade for Twins hurler after Freddie Freeman walk-off
