The 2025 MLB trade deadline is just a couple of short weeks away and the Philadelphia Phillies are going to be an interesting team to watch. At this stage of the season, they look the part of a potential World Series contender, but there are some holes to fill.
Adding more help in the bullpen would be a wise investment for the Phillies. If they can find an elite closer, that would be a huge step towards contention.
Philadelphia would have a couple of options to explore if it decides to pursue a closer. One of them would be a top-tier pickup.
With that in mind, the Phillies have been connected to a potential trade for that top-tier closer.
Philadelphia Phillies Linked to Blockbuster 2025 Deadline Trade for Dynamic Bullpen Arm
Bleacher Report analyst Tim Kelly took a look at 10 potential realistic trades that would boost the top contenders in baseball. When it came to Philadelphia, he suggested Cleveland Guardians star closer Emmanuel Clase as the target.
Ken Blaze-Imagn ImagesAfter a slow start to the 2025 season, Clase has found his form once again. He has been back to being one of the best closers in baseball in recent weeks.
Throughout the course of the entire year thus far, he has appeared in 41 games for the Guardians. In those appearances, he has compiled a 4-2 record to go along with a 3.12 ERA, a 1.29 WHIP, a 4.0 K/BB ratio, 19 saves, a hold, and four blown saves.
Clase wouldn’t just be a pickup for this season. He is under contract for multiple seasons and would be a long-term addition for the Phillies. That is the kind of target they should have interest in pursuing.
On the outside looking in, this appears to be a perfect option for Philadelphia. The front office may not end up pursuing him, but it would be wise to at least check in with Cleveland on the price tag.
Expect to hear a lot of rumors connected to the Phillies in the coming days. It would not be surprising to see Clase connected to them more as the trade deadline draws closer.
