Phillies Reportedly Pursue Pirates Relievers Bednar, Santana

The Philadelphia Phillies are actively pursuing relief pitching upgrades at the 2025 MLB trade deadline, focusing primarily on two Pittsburgh Pirates relievers, David Bednar and Dennis Santana. Both pitchers have drawn significant interest due to their strong 2025 performances; Santana boasts a 1.42 ERA and has been particularly effective since being claimed off waivers from the Yankees, while Bednar has rebounded from a difficult 2024 season with a 2.73 ERA and dominant outings since late May. Bednar's experience as a former All-Star closer and his contract control through 2026 make him an especially attractive target for the Phillies, who seek bullpen stability beyond just a short-term fix. Santana presents a cost-effective option with a low salary and arbitration eligibility in 2026, making him a viable complement to Bednar. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski acknowledges bullpen improvement is necessary but believes the overall situation is manageable, yet the team remains keen on acquiring these two relievers to bolster late-inning options ahead of the postseason. The Pirates appear open to trade discussions, positioning Bednar and Santana as top trade deadline pieces and aligning with Philadelphia's intent to reinforce their bullpen depth.