Every Major League Baseball team looks to improve their bullpen before the trade deadline, but the Philadelphia Phillies’ situation this year is more desperate than most.
José Alvarado, who was 7-for-7 in save opportunities for Philadelphia this season, was suspended for 80 games on Sunday after a positive test for a banned substance. This also makes Alvarado ineligible to pitch for the first-place Phillies in the postseason.
The bullpen was already a concern for the Phillies early in the season, but Alvarado was providing some stability. Regardless of whether or not their eventual closer replacement is already on the roster, it’s easy to imagine Philadelphia being aggressive on the trade market for more relief help.
To that end, one baseball insider believes they could go after a two-time All-Star from their Pennsylvania rivals.
On Monday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com wrote that Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar could be an option for Philadelphia following the Alvarado suspension. Bednar is under contract through 2026.
“David Bednar of the Pirates might be the most intriguing early-season trade option,” Feinsand wrote.
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“The two-time All-Star has overcome a rocky start to the season, posting a 2.31 ERA over his past 12 appearances, striking out 18 while walking only one batter in 11 2/3 innings. Bednar is earning $5.9 million this season and is arbitration-eligible for one more year.”
It’s been a wild ride for Bednar, who was briefly optioned to Triple-A in April, but has come back strong since his return to the big leagues. The 30-year-old has been a closer for the last four years, but he might be best suited in a setup role on a contending team.
There’s undoubtedly talent here that the Phillies could unlock under the right set of circumstances. And of all the teams currently floundering, the Pirates might be the most willing to start making trades soon.
More MLB: Phillies could acquire 456-save All-Star after José Alvarado news, per insider
