Phillies could target Orioles $2 million All-Star to replace Jose Alvarado

The Philadelphia Phillies currently own the best record in the National League. At 31-18, they hold a 1 1/2-game lead over the New York Mets in the NL East.

The Phillies are making a strong case to be considered a World Series contender, and could be the ones celebrating at the end of October.

However, there is one issue that is dragging the team down: the bullpen.

It was already struggling mightily this season, then things got worse when left-hander Jose Alvarado was issued an 80-game PED suspension. Andrew Wright of Newsweek proposed the idea of Philadelphia targeting Baltimore Orioles closer Felix Bautista.

"Baltimore is expected to continue to struggle, meaning that several players could be on the move prior to this season's trade deadline. Bautista is in the second year of a two-year contract, making him a prime candidate," Wright wrote.

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The Phillies are going to need an arm or two to bolster their bullpen if they want to make a run to the World Series this coming fall.

Bautista was an All-Star in 2023 and was even the American League Reliever of the Year after posting a 1.48 ERA and saving 33 games in 56 appearances.

He missed 2024 due to Tommy John surgery but has returned for 2025. While he owns a 4.30 ERA in 15 appearances, he has saved seven games for the slumping Orioles.

Baltimore will likely be a seller this summer, as they are showing no signs of coming out of their current slump. The Phillies need a back-end presence with Alvarado ineligible for the postseason.

We'll see if they decide to pursue Bautista.

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