Phillies Add Relievers, Eye Major Bullpen Trade

The Philadelphia Phillies, holding the National League's best record, are urgently seeking to upgrade their bullpen after closer José Alvarado was suspended and ruled ineligible for the postseason. The team has already acquired left-handed reliever Josh Walker from the Blue Jays and claimed Lucas Sims off waivers, though both are considered depth pieces due to inconsistent MLB performance. Trade rumors center on Nationals closer Kyle Finnegan, who has a 2.41 ERA and 15 saves, as a top target, with the Nationals likely to become sellers. Angels lefty Reid Detmers is also mentioned as a possible reclamation project. The Phillies' bullpen currently ranks 24th in MLB by ERA, increasing pressure to secure a proven late-inning reliever before the trade deadline. Addressing this need is seen as crucial to maintaining their World Series hopes as several key players near free agency.