With the NL East tight and bullpen reliability questionable, the Phillies are targeting two high-leverage relievers, including Nationals closer Kyle Finnegan, to bolster their World Series chances.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Philadelphia Phillies are once again positioned as serious buyers in the National League. With one of the league’s most complete lineups and a solid starting rotation, their most significant area of need remains the bullpen, particularly in high-leverage situations. According to recent reports, Phillies President Dave Dombrowski is targeting two standout relievers to lock down games in October: Kyle Finnegan of the Washington Nationals and David Bednar of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
These aren’t just depth additions. Both Finnegan and Bednar would immediately bolster Philadelphia’s late-inning reliability, offering elite velocity, control, and postseason experience. For a team hoping to go beyond last year’s NLCS finish, these are the types of deals that matter.
Target Reliever #1: Kyle Finnegan (RHP, Nationals)
Finnegan has seized Washington’s closer role in 2025, building a 1.98 ERA, 17 saves, and an impressive 52 strikeouts to just 14 walks. With control through 2026 and a $6.5M arbitration salary, he represents one of the most affordable elite relievers on the market today.
For Phillies fans tired of blown holds and high-leverage failures, Finnegan offers strikeout upside, groundball winning tendencies, and a palpable postseason edge. Washington, meanwhile, is rumored to be willing to flip him before the reset, opening the door for Philly to strike.
Kyle Finnegan RHRP 33yo
2025
0.1 bWAR
39 G/33 GF/19 SV
38 IP
31 K
4.50 ERA
89 ERA+ (Career 112 ERA+)
3.67 FIP
1.316 WHIP
8.5 H/9
3.3 BB/9
7.3 K/9Splits
vR .697 OPS
vL .703 OPS28 of 39 Outings are Clean. 4 Multi-Inning Outings. Pitching primarily in the 9th Inning.
4Seam… pic.twitter.com/Ikmer2GyRZ
— Big League Takes (@BigLeagueTakes) July 29, 2025
Target Reliever #2: David Bednar (RHP, Pirates)
With Emmanuel Clase suspended due to gambling allegations, the Phillies may turn their focus to David Bednar, a two-time All-Star and Pittsburgh native who has thrived in high-pressure roles. Bednar owns a career 2.48 ERA and remains under club control through 2026.
While the Pirates are reluctant sellers, Bednar’s value on the open market could fetch them multiple prospects. For the Phillies, adding Bednar means bringing in a proven closer with postseason demeanor and long-term value. The only question is whether they’d be willing to part with one of their top-15 prospects.
“The best player available at the trade deadline” is actually David Bednar. Hasn’t allowed a run in TWO MONTHS. 16 straight saves.
Whoever fixed him when he was sent down to AAA needs a major league job now pic.twitter.com/aU0f7sHdSv
— Rav (@TonyRavv) July 27, 2025
Why This Makes Sense for the Phillies
President Dave Dombrowski has never been afraid to spend prospect capital for elite talent, especially with a championship window wide open. The bullpen, though serviceable, lacks the lockdown presence of a team hoping to go all the way. Adding two controllable arms who have succeeded in high-leverage innings could be the difference in tight October games.
Ownership has shown it’s all-in. Now it’s time for the front office to make the move.
Possible Trade Scenarios
| Phillies Receive | Sending Team | Prospects Traded | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Finnegan (RHP) | Washington Nationals | RHP Jean Cabrera (AA) INF Jamari Baylor (High-A) |
Phillies add a proven closer; Nationals get two controllable prospects to bolster their farm. |
| David Bednar (RHP) | Pittsburgh Pirates | OF Gabriel Rincones Jr. (AA) RHP Alex McFarlane (High-A) |
Bednar becomes a long-term setup or closer piece; Pirates secure two top-20 system prospects. |
“The Phillies, according to major-league sources, continue to prioritize a higher-end bullpen addition.”
-Matt Gelbpic.twitter.com/0CoTRkxiov
— Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) July 29, 2025
For the Phillies, upgrading the bullpen isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. With the rotation holding firm and the lineup clicking, adding Finnegan and Bednar could be the difference between a deep run and an early exit. If Dombrowski pulls the trigger, expect Philadelphia to enter October with one of the most fearsome bullpens in baseball.
