Phillies-Angels trade idea brings $101 million pitcher to Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Phillies' bullpen has been one of the worst in the league this season. The bullpen could be an area of focus at the trade deadline.

The Phillies' bullpen has a 4.40 ERA in the first half, which is the seventh worst in baseball. Jose Alvarado's PED suspension was a huge blow to the group, but the team should have some solid options available on the trade block. FanSided's Andrew Santangelo suggested the team trade for Reid Detmers of the Los Angeles Angels.

"After a slow start to the 2025 season, in an adjustment period to relief work, Detmers has been fantastic since mid-May," wrote Santangelo. "He went 22 consecutive outings without allowing an earned run before his most recent two outings, after an impressive June with an ERA of 0.00. The 26-year-old has a 4.25 ERA on the season but, since May 9, has a 1.29 ERA with 37 strikeouts and 13 walks in 28 innings."

Detmers has been far better out of the bullpen than as a starter. He was a starter in his first four seasons, but the Angels have changed his role this year. He was not great early in the year, but suddenly things are clicking for him.

"His overall Statcast numbers have been better this season out of the bullpen," wrote Santangelo. "His barrel rate is down from a year ago; from 10.7 percent, he finds it down to 8.1 percent out of the bullpen. Detmers' whiff rate of 31.7 percent is a career high, as is his strikeout rate of 28 percent, which is well above the MLB average of 21.9 percent. His xSLG at .363 is also his career low from last season at .404."

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He is under club control through 2028, and Spotrac projects him to earn an eight-year, $101 million deal when he hits the open market. The Phillies could use him as a multi-inning arm to give their bullpen a boost.

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