Get excited — trade season is almost here, and it’s all but certain the Phillies will be active in the market leading up to the July 31 deadline. One thing is clear: they’ll be targeting help in their biggest area of concern — the bullpen.
A name already generating buzz in connection to Philadelphia is Tampa Bay’s Pete Fairbanks. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Fairbanks is an ideal fit for the Phillies. He also mentioned Washington’s Kyle Finnegan as another option — or possibly both pitchers, and maybe more.
Fairbanks, who boasts 10 saves and a 2.05 ERA this season, would be a major upgrade over the Phillies’ current options. He’s racked up 68 saves since 2023 and brings a high-velocity fastball along with one of the nastiest pitches in the game — a 95-mph changeup (yes, really).
Pete Fairbanks, Vicious 95mph Changeup. 😤 pic.twitter.com/VzfXuVTJhY
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 6, 2025
Passan emphasizes that with Jose Alvarado suspended 80 games for PEDs and ruled out for the postseason, the Phillies’ need for relief pitching is even more urgent. As of June 3, their bullpen has a 4.65 ERA — third-worst in the National League. Current closer Jordan Romano has improved but still feels unreliable, and neither Matt Strahm (3.70 ERA) nor Orion Kerkering (3.18 ERA) have the look of dominant late-inning arms.
It’ll be up to Phillies president of baseball ops Dave Dombrowski to add some swing-and-miss relievers this summer — possibly more than one. That need has been looming since their bullpen ran out of gas last postseason. With a surplus in starting pitching, Dombrowski might look to deal from strength, and rookie Mick Abel could be a key trade chip.
The right-hander has regained top prospect status with a strong 2025 in Triple-A and tossed six scoreless innings in his MLB debut on May 18. He was recently recalled to fill in while Aaron Nola recovers from an ankle injury, and if Abel impresses, he could headline a deadline deal.
Besides Fairbanks and Finnegan, other potential targets include Félix Bautista (Orioles), Aroldis Chapman (Red Sox), and Kenley Jansen (Angels). Though Phillies fans have long coveted A’s closer Mason Miller, he’s unlikely to be moved — his salary is low, and he’s struggling this year with a 5.49 ERA.
Regardless of the exact name, Dombrowski and his front office will be working hard to secure a dominant new closer before the deadline.
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