Phillies Trade Idea Acquires Pirates’ All-Star Closer Amid Bullpen Woes originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Philadelphia Phillies have spent most of the season atop the National League East, but one glaring weakness threatens their postseason ambitions: the bullpen. Despite their record, they still lack a dependable lockdown closer.
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With Jose Alvarado currently serving an 80-game suspension and Jordan Romano’s ERA creeping closer to 7.00, a late-inning reliever is a hole they will need to fill before the trade deadline.
One possible solution is Pittsburgh Pirates’ closer David Bednar, according to Sports Illustrated’s Kenneth Teape, going as far as to call the in-state rival a “perfect trade partner.”
Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher David Bednar (51) pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the ninth inning at PNC Park. Chicago won 14-10.Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
“The perfect trade partner for the Phillies to fill the bullpen void is the Pittsburgh Pirates, who have multiple relief pitchers that should be available at the right price,” Teape wrote. “If Philadelphia wants to go all-in, David Bednar is their guy.”
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Bednar, a two-time All-Star, struggled earlier this season and was briefly pulled from the closer role. However, after a short demotion to Triple-A, the right-hander has bounced back in a big way.
“He has regained his form in 2025 after a brutal 2024 when he was removed from the closer’s role.” Teape continues. “Through 29 appearances, he has a 3.16 ERA with 36 strikeouts through 25 2/3 innings and has converted all 10 of his save chances.”
Bednar is under club control through 2026, likely raising his trade cost, but it may be worth it for Philadelphia, knowing the importance of a shutdown closer for playoff success. With Alvarado ineligible for the playoffs, overpaying for Bednar is not a bad option, especially if they miss out on other top-tier pitchers expected to be on the market.
As the Red Sox continue to surge up the standings, Aroldis Chapman’s availability becomes more uncertain. Los Anges Angels’ closer Kenley Jansen has valuable postseason experience, but his age (37) opens the door for fatigue concerns down the stretch of the season. And the St. Louis Cardinals‘ asking price for closer Ryan Helsley may be the highest of any relief pitcher at the deadline.
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If the Phillies are set on upgrading their bullpen, Bednar strikes the middle ground, and it would only take a short one-hour plane ride from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia to make it work.
Related: Phillies’ Rob Thomson Considering Starting Rotation Shake-Up
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 22, 2025, where it first appeared.