Phillies Seek Bullpen Upgrades with Closers Clase, Finnegan Ahead Trade Deadline

The Philadelphia Phillies, currently leading the NL East by a narrow margin, are facing a critical need to bolster their bullpen ahead of the MLB trade deadline due to inconsistent late-inning performances and the postseason ineligibility of closer Jose Alvarado. With acting closer Jordan Romano struggling and key offseason losses weakening the relief corps, the Phillies are widely viewed as top contenders to acquire an elite closer, with Cleveland Guardians' Emmanuel Clase—a proven All-Star under team control through 2028—emerging as a prime target. Industry analysts also highlight Washington Nationals closer Kyle Finnegan as a strong option, given his solid season stats and likely availability as a rental, though in-division trades are rare. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is expected to be aggressive, possibly trading top prospects to secure a high-impact reliever. Bolstering the bullpen is seen as essential for the Phillies to capitalize on their current championship window and finally capture a World Series title after years of near-misses. The coming weeks will be pivotal as Philadelphia decides whether to pursue a blockbuster deal for Clase or a more cost-effective move for Finnegan.