The Philadelphia Phillies’ bullpen concerns intensified last week when reliever José Alvarado received an 80-game suspension for violating MLB’s performance-enhancing drug policy, rendering him ineligible for any postseason action. Already in need of bullpen help before the trade deadline, the Phillies now find themselves scrambling to explore outside options. One possibility is a reunion with free agent reliever David Robertson, as the team reportedly contacted him prior to the Alvarado news.
“Before the suspension was made public, the Phillies had already reached out to Robertson, who is widely considered the top available reliever on the market,” MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reported. While initial discussions didn’t progress far, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Phillies pursue the 40-year-old veteran again, especially considering his previous two stints in Philadelphia.
Still, bringing in Robertson alone likely won’t be enough. Even with Alvarado, the bullpen had trouble closing out games. As a result, the Phillies are expected to continue searching for more relief help.
Tim Kelly of On Pattison speculated that the team might use prospect Mick Abel as trade bait, particularly after his standout performance on Sunday. “There’s a case to be made for trading him now that he’s boosted his value,” Kelly wrote, noting that starting pitchers tend to hold strong trade appeal. Abel, a former first-round pick, struggled in Triple-A last year but has rebounded this season. He was recently called up for a spot start following Aaron Nola’s injury and impressed with nine strikeouts over six shutout innings against the Pirates.
With a deep rotation but limited bullpen depth, the Phillies may decide that Abel’s greatest contribution to a playoff push could come through a trade for a proven reliever rather than his continued development on the mound in Philadelphia.