Why Phillies are trading with rival Mets for lefty reliever Brooks Raley

The Phillies acquired left-hander Brooks Raley from the New York Mets in a trade that addresses a bullpen need ahead of the season’s trade deadline. According to league sources cited by Will Sammon of The Athletic, the move makes sense for both clubs because Raley becomes a free agent after this season. For Philadelphia, adding the veteran reliever provides bullpen help amid struggles from Jose Alvarado, Tanner Banks and Kyle Backhus, among others. The Athletic’s Jayson Stark reported that the Phillies sent right-hander Luke Gabrysh and outfielder John Spikerman to the Mets. Raley, 38, posted a 1.96 ERA, 5-5 record and 1.6 bWAR with 40 strikeouts and a 1.089 WHIP across 41.1 innings in 45 outings this season.