Phillies closer's role in jeopardy as team eyes top reliever on trade market

The Philadelphia Phillies have had a taste of humble pie thus far coming out of the All-Star break.

After posting Major League Baseball's best record in the first half, the Phillies have lost their first two games against the in-state rival Pittsburgh Pirates, who are charging into the playoff picture with a six-game winning streak.

Friday night was a tough blow to swallow for the Phillies, as closer José Alvarado imploded in an 8-7 Pirates walk-off win. Alvarado recorded just one out of the five batters he reached while allowing two stolen bases before Nick Gonzales' walk-off single.

As a team with championship expectations, the Phillies can't afford any slip-ups from the back end of their bullpen in October. And one MLB insider reports that they have their eyes on a trade candidate to help provide some insurance.

The best reliever presumed to be available on the trade market is Miami Marlins closer Tanner Scott, who owns a 1.30 ERA this season. And according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Phillies are one of the top destinations .

"The Phillies are keeping a close eye on Scott with closer José Alvarado’s recent struggles (4.35 ERA) and badly want another late-inning reliever," Nightengale said.

Alvarado has been particularly subpar in July, posting an 11.81 ERA and 1.066 opponent OPS in 5.1 innings pitched. He's been allowing both walks and hits at higher-than-normal rates and his sinker, typically a dominant pitch for him, has been tattooed of late.

Scott, meanwhile, has been dominant. He last allowed a run on June 13, which is also the only run a team scored with Scott on the mound in his last 27 appearances. He has 150 strikeouts in 119.2 innings dating back to the start of 2023.

Though competition is expected to be fierce for Scott, with so few teams committed to selling this season, the Phillies may have the desperation required to win the sweepstakes.

The Phillies haven't had a true closer all year, though Alvarado has had the majority of save opportunities. They also watched then-closer Craig Kimbrel implode in last season's National League Championship Series.

The deadline is at 6 p.m. EST on July 30. Phillies fans will be in an anxious holding pattern until that time waiting to see which positions get upgraded.

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