Phillies’ Quest for Bullpen Help May Lead to $87 Million In-State Solution

The Philadelphia Phillies were already short in the bullpen after Jordan Romano struggled at the start of the season. With Jose Alvarado’s suspension, the bullpen is one man shorter.

A solution for the Phillies could be across the state in Pittsburgh as the Pirates continue to struggle. David Bednar is reportedly being eyed up by several teams, according to Bob Nightengale.

“Teams are scrambling to bolster their bullpens with the influx of injuries around baseball,” wrote Nightengale. “The top targets: Kyle Finnegan of the Nationals; Felix Bautista, Seranthony Dominguez and Gregory Soto of the Orioles; David Bednar and Dennis Santana of the Pirates and Anthony Bender of the Marlins.”

While Santana is mentioned as well for the Pirates, Bednar is expected to be the bigger prize as a result of being a two-time All-Star. The Pirates closer holds a 5.17 ERA entering Monday, but that is largely due to being awful earlier in the season.

Bednar has allowed just five runs in his last 11 outings, totaling 9 2/3 innings. Being sent to Triple-A Indianapolis allowed him to reset, and the Pirates are seeing performances they are used to seeing from Bednar.

The 30-year-old closer would be owed the remainder of $5.9 million by the Phillies this season before heading to his final year of arbitration next season. With the market likely to shift to a sellers’ market once again, the Phillies may have to give up more than they would like for Bednar or any closer.

Pittsburgh would love to pry away Mick Abel from the Phillies, but the Pirates have a plethora of pitching depth in the minors themselves. Expect the Pirates to be asking for outfielder Justin Crawford (Phillies No. 3 prospect) as the starting piece.

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