Phillies linked to 0.44 ERA Red Sox closer with intriguing bullpen fit
The Phillies’ bullpen saga takes a headline turn as trade deadline talk centers on Aroldis Chapman, a 0.44 ERA closer whose availability has fans buzzing. Philadelphia already traded for Jhoan Duran from the Minnesota Twins and has leaned on him as the closer, reshaping how late-inning relief is deployed. ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel identified the Phillies among the best fits for Boston’s flame-throwing left-hander, listing teams such as the Mariners, Pirates, White Sox, Dodgers, Rays, Phillies, Diamondbacks, Cubs, Blue Jays and Guardians. While Chapman would boost late-inning options, the article notes that adding him could clash with Duran’s role unless used as a complementary eighth- or ninth-inning arm. The idea sits against a backdrop of Phillies’ strong pitching, with Cristopher Sánchez, Zack Wheeler and Jesús Luzardo providing depth into long stints. Brad Keller is on the injured list and Orion Kerkering has been more mop-up than closer this season, which nibbles at the appeal of another reliever. Even so, the piece emphasizes this is speculative and depends on Dombrowski’s resources, as the front office could reallocate assets toward outfield upgrades instead. Nonetheless, the Chapman connection remains an intriguing hypothetical for fans should Philadelphia pursue a two-elite-reliever back end to seal games from the eighth inning onward.
