Phillies Trade Idea Lands Orioles Reliever Felix Bautista
The Philadelphia Phillies will likely make a move at the deadline, with the news coming out on Sunday that left-handed reliever Jose Alvarado will be suspended for 80 games this season and will miss the entire playoffs.
While the Phillies were expected to find a reliever anyway, the need is even more obvious than it was a few weeks ago. That's why, in a proposed trade idea from Drew VonScio of Newsweek, they'd link up with the Baltimore Orioles for a deal for one of the better closers in Major League Baseball when he's healthy.
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That player is none other than Felix Bautista, the big right-hander who can run his fastball up to 100-plus miles per hour.
Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jose Alvarado (46) reacts after recording a strikeout against the San Francisco Giants in the eighth inning at Citizens Bank Park. All players wore #42 for Jackie Robinson Day.Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
“The Philadelphia Phillies' need for relievers just got bigger. Jordan Romano has continued to struggle and now news broke on Sunday about José Alvarado being suspended 80 games for PEDs. Alvarado was one of the bright spots for the bullpen, but now they must start over. Given the Orioles' struggles this season, the Phillies must pursue closer Felix Bautista,” he wrote.
Bautista has struggled over the past few weeks, but has typically been lights out for much of his career. Outside of the injury that kept him out during the 2024 campaign, he's been available to pitch, too. He currently owns a 2.77 ERA and has struck out 15 hitters in 13.0 innings.
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With how bad the Orioles have been to start the year, they'll likely sell at the deadline.
The Dominican Republic native wouldn't have to move too far if he were traded to Philadelphia, something he might be a fan of.