Over the past week, the Philadelphia Phillies have suffered two significant setbacks that could jeopardize their hold on a National League Wild Card position.
First, Aaron Nola — mired in another one of his puzzling odd-year slumps — was sidelined indefinitely with an ankle injury. Shortly after, the team took another hit when star closer José Alvarado received an 80-game suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs.
With a 28-18 record and a spot as the second-best team in a competitive NL East, the Phillies are likely to find themselves protecting plenty of leads this summer. That makes having a reliable closer critical — especially since Jordan Romano, who currently holds a 7.27 ERA, has yet to recapture his All-Star form from 2022-23.
Although the trade deadline is still a few months away, it would be wise for Philadelphia to act early and pursue a top-tier reliever before the market heats up.
3 closers the Phillies can target in a trade to replace Jose Alvarado
Devin Williams, New York Yankees
It might not be the flashiest move—especially with Romano’s ongoing struggles—but Williams boasts one of the most impressive recent résumés among MLB relievers.
Although he’s posted an ugly 7.80 ERA over 15 innings this year, a far cry from the dominant pitcher who recorded a 1.70 ERA and 68 saves between 2020 and 2024, there are still signs of potential. His fastball is down to 93.6 mph, a full tick slower than last season and several below his 2020 peak, and his signature changeup has been hit harder than ever (.309 wOBA allowed).
Still, there’s upside. Williams is generating swings and misses at an elite 31.5% clip and ranks in the 92nd percentile in hard-hit rate. Over his last four outings, he’s surrendered just one hit and no runs, striking out the side twice.
Given his rental status and struggles in New York, Williams likely wouldn’t command a steep price. If the Phillies trust his underlying metrics (including a 3.17 FIP), a move back to the National League could help him rediscover his dominant form.
Mason Miller, Athletics
Miller’s 4.50 ERA doesn’t tell the full story. If you remove the five earned runs he gave up in a rough outing against Miami on May 3, his ERA would drop to an impressive 1.69 — a figure that would likely earn him All-Star buzz, if he’s not already in the mix.
The A’s closer has been overpowering hitters, striking out an absurd 47.0% of batters faced this season. His triple-digit fastball ranks in the 100th percentile on Baseball Savant, making him a force of nature on the mound. And he hasn’t even hit arbitration yet — that won’t come until next year.
All of this, naturally, means Miller won’t come cheap. The A’s, who were a respectable 20-17 before a recent 2-8 skid, may not even decide to sell at the trade deadline.
But if Oakland is open to moving him, Miller would be the most impactful — and likely most expensive — option available to the Phillies as a replacement for Alvarado. Acquiring him would probably require parting with one or more Top 100 prospects. The question is whether any reliever is worth that kind of price.
Ryan Pressly, Chicago Cubs
When it comes to trade cost, Pressly would easily be the most affordable option among the relievers mentioned. With 116 career saves, the 36-year-old has the credentials to close games for a playoff-caliber team.
That said, he’s no longer the dominant force he once was at the back end of Houston’s bullpen. Aside from inducing ground balls, most of Pressly’s metrics this season are below average — including a fastball that’s down to a career-low 93.1 mph.
Using the same logic applied to Miller and removing Pressly’s worst outing — an eight-run meltdown against the Giants on May 6 where he failed to record an out — his ERA drops to a strong 1.65. While his 4.86 FIP paints a more concerning picture, it also suggests he hasn’t been quite as poor as some Cubs fans claim.
Still, Pressly projects as a stopgap option rather than a long-term solution for replacing Alvarado. If the Phillies are serious about making a deep postseason push, they can likely find a more impactful upgrade.