The Philadelphia Phillies’ bullpen, headed by Jeff Hoffman, Orion Kerkering, and Matt Strahm, has been a key factor in their success in 2024, with ERAs below 2.00. Despite their success, there is still space for growth, as they have blown 14 saves this season.
Adding an experienced lockdown reliever at the trade deadline should be a priority for the Phillies as they look to strengthen their relief corps ahead of the stretch drive. With that in mind, the Texas Rangers’ closer Kirby Yates is a prime target who could be available.
According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the Phillies are the best fit for the right-hander, should the Rangers move their expiring contracts. So, what does it take to attract the 10-year veteran to Philadelphia?
A Phillies-Rangers transaction to strengthen the back end of the bullpen
Yates’ contract ends at the end of the 2024 season, thus he would likely be a rental for the Phillies. Furthermore, while the Rangers have a plethora of right-handed pitching prospects, they are woefully lacking in quality southpaws. As a result, the following trade proposition should be mutually beneficial.
Yates is arguably one of the best closers the Phillies will have this season. Despite playing for a poor Rangers club in 2024, Yates has performed admirably whenever called upon. In 34 appearances, he has a 3-1 record, a 1.05 ERA, and a 0.90 WHIP, allowing only four earned runs while walking 16 and striking out 46 in 34 1/3 innings. More importantly, he has a perfect 16-for-16 save record.
Given José Alvarado’s picky issues this year after taking over the role, Yates may become the Phillies’ closer down the line. Even if the Phillies don’t use Yates in that capacity, he would be an excellent late-inning alternative in close games.
The Rangers would acquire Samuel Aldegheri, a quality left-handed pitching prospect. Aldegheri, who just climbed to No. 6 on Baseball America’s Phillies Top 30 Prospects list (subscription required), has had a solid minor league season in 2024.
With the Phillies’ High-A affiliate Jersey Shore BlueClaws, he had a 6-5 record, a 3.18 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP, 28 walks, and 95 strikeouts in just 68 innings pitched in 13 starts. After such an amazing performance, Aldegheri was just promoted to Double-A. In his debut with the Reading Fightin Phils, he struck out eight batters over five innings.
The Phillies might get a significant difference maker to solidify the bullpen down the stretch, while the Rangers would get a bright prospect with immense potential who could eventually become a quality middle to back end of the rotation piece. With a win-win scenario in place for both clubs, and Yates expected to be a hot commodity come the trade deadline, the Phillies should actively seek this move as soon as possible before it becomes too late.
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