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The Philadelphia Phillies bullpen was put in a bit of a compromising position when it was announced that closer Jose Alvarado would be suspended 80 games for violating MLB's PED policy.
Philadelphia had hoped Jordan Romano, one of its biggest offseason acquisitions, would be the closer this season, but he's struggled in a major way.
Because of the struggles from Romano and the Alvarado suspension, the Phillies have a bit of a hole in the back end of their bullpen.
Alvarado will come off the suspended list in late August but will be ineligible for the postseason roster, should the Phillies make it in. Because of that, Philadelphia may need to go outside its organization in hopes of finding someone to replace Alvarado.
If they decide to do so, here are three closers the Phillies should target.
Felix Bautista, Baltimore Orioles
The only reason we can't officially write off the Orioles this season is because the Washington Nationals did win the World Series in 2019 after starting the season 19-33.
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.
He's bounced back well this season after missing all of last year recovering from Tommy John surgery. He has a 3.95 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 14 appearances and 13 2/3 innings pitched.
If he is made available, Philadelphia should make Baltimore an offer that it can't refuse.
Aroldis Chapman, Boston Red Sox
Rather than an eye for an eye, this trade pitch would insert a lefty for a lefty. At the ripe age of 37, Chapman is pitching some of the best baseball of his career.
He has a 1.89 ERA and 26 strikeouts across 21 appearances and 19 innings pitched this season. He is well on his way to being an All-Star for the first time since the 2021 season and he could be of great assistance in the Phillies bullpen.
Chapman has pitched for just one NL team since 2017, meaning he would be a new face for most teams, which could benefit Philadelphia more than its opponents. Chapman throwing 100 mph fastballs at Citizens Bank Park in October would be an electric factory.
David Robertson, Free Agent
The former Phillies relief pitcher could be on his way back to Philadelphia and it is safe to assume he would be a welcome addition to the bullpen. He appeared in just 29 games across 1 1/2 seasons with the team and pitched to a 3.30 ERA in 30 innings pitched.
It has already been reported that the Phillies reached out to Robertson prior to Alvarado being suspended and now that he has been, a Phillies-Robertson reunion could indeed be on the horizon.
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About the writer
Andrew Wright is a Newsweek contributor based in Lancaster, South Carolina. His focus is MLB content. Andrew has been with ... Read more