Reds have exactly what Phillies need after devastating Brad Keller injury

Even before Brad Keller hit the injured list, the Philadelphia Phillies were in need of relievers. But with Keller now declared out for the rest of the season with a torn UCL, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski will no doubt double his efforts to find some bullpen help before the trade deadline passes.

The Cincinnati Reds could be the perfect trade partner for the Phillies. For all intents and purposes, the Reds appear to be sellers at this year's deadline, and they just so happen to have a number of solid relievers — several of whom are on expiring contracts — who could be moved before August 3.

Emilio Pagán, other Reds relievers should be on the Phillies' radar

The Phillies current bullpen features All-Star closer Jhoan Duran along with veteran left-hander Tim Mayza, and right-handers Orion Kerkering and Johnathan Bowland. Beyond that, however, the Phillies' relief corps is rather scant.

A veteran arm like Reds' closer Emilio Pagán could be an intriguing target for the Phillies. Pagán has a $10 million player-option for the 2027 season that he's almost certain to exercise, meaning the veteran right-hander could be considered more than just a rental. He returned from a hamstring injury just before the All-Star break, and has allowed just one hit since rejoining the team earlier this month.

Left-handed reliever Sam Moll is another longer-term option. The southpaw is no stranger to being moved at the trade deadline. He was acquired by the Reds back in 2023 in a deal that sent former fifth-round draft pick Joe Boyle to the Athletics. Moll has been a reliable member of the Reds' bullpen this season with a 25.1% strikeout rate and a 4.19 ERA. He's been lights out against lefties, holding them to a .195 batting average against.

In addition to those two "controllable" relievers, Cincinnati also has a bevy of free agents to-be on their current roster. Pierce Johnson, Caleb Ferguson, and Brock Burke could (and should) all be moved at the deadline. There's an outside chance the Reds might look to trade Tejay Antone, and there's also several young hurlers (Zach Maxwell, Luis Mey, and Zach McCambley) who could be moved if the price was right.

In short, if you're a team in need of relief help at this year's deadline, the Reds could provide a one-stop shop. With Keller out of commission, and the Phillies in the thick of the playoff hunt, don't be surprised if these two organizations matchup in a trade before the upcoming deadline.

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