The Philadelphia Phillies are 2 1/2 games out of the National League East lead. They could make some key moves near the trade deadline to ensure a deep postseason run.
The Phillies lost José Alvarado to a suspension that will make him ineligible for the postseason. Jordan Romano has taken over as the closer, but he is not the same player he was for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2022 and 2023 when he was an All-Star. He has eight saves but a 7.11 ERA. Sports Illustrated’s Nick Ziegler suggested the Phillies trade for Kenley Jansen from the Los Angeles Angels to replace Alvarado.
“One name that makes a lot of sense is the future Hall of Famer Kenley Jansen,” wrote Ziegler. “The right-hander is at the tail end of his career but has been one of the best closers in baseball for the last decade. This year, he is pitching for the Los Angeles Angels, who will be a seller at the trade deadline. Jansen will certainly be a desired pitcher with his successful track record.”
Jansen has a 4.31 ERA, but he has recorded 12 saves and has not blown a save this season. Adding him to close games would make Romano a high leverage or setup man.
He is playing on a one-year deal and will be a free agent after the season. If the Angels do become sellers, Jansen would be one of the first names to go. He is a four-time All-Star and a two-time Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year.
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Jansen is the active leader in games, 897, and saves, 461. He is in his 16th season and the Phillies could use his arm and experience to reach the World Series. The National League just got a lot tougher with Rafael Devers joining the San Francisco Giants. The Phillies cannot afford to have any holes.
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