Despite signing David Robertson for the remainder of the season, the Philadelphia Phillies are still searching for bullpen upgrades ahead of the MLB trade deadline. Suspended closer Jose Alvarado is on schedule to return in the middle of August, providing further stability, but is not eligible for the postseason. While Philadelphia will certainly target some of the top closers on the market, such as Minnesota Twins’ Jhoan Duran, they may not be willing to part ways with multiple top prospects to get a deal done.
Phillies Listed as 'Buy Low' Destination for Braves' Raisel Iglesias originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Despite signing David Robertson for the remainder of the season, the Philadelphia Phillies are still searching for bullpen upgrades ahead of the MLB trade deadline. Suspended closer Jose Alvarado is on schedule to return in the middle of August, providing further stability, but is not eligible for the postseason. While Philadelphia will certainly target some of the top closers on the market, such as Minnesota Twins’ Jhoan Duran, they may not be willing to part ways with multiple top prospects to get a deal done.
As a result, the Phillies' president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, could decide to add a low-risk, high-reward relief pitcher and hope it pays dividends.
According to Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report, Atlanta Braves’ closer Raisel Iglesias is a top ‘Buy-Low’ candidate for the Phillies ahead of the deadline.
It may be tough to coerce the Braves into aiding their NL East rival’s postseason pursuit. But with Iglesias being an impending free agent, they could prefer getting the remaining $5.3 million of the closer’s contract off their books.
If Philadelphia can do some convincing, Iglesias would be a smart gamble.
“Just last season, Raisel Iglesias was maybe the best closer in baseball not named Emmanuel Clase,” wrote Miller. “He saved 34 games with a 1.95 ERA and a minuscule 0.74 WHIP, including a three-month stretch from mid-June into mid-September with a cumulative line of 35.1 IP, 10 H, 0 ER, 5 BB, 43 K.”
Iglesias’ track record is one of the best in baseball, but after a rough start, his stock tanked. He blew four of his first 12 save opportunities, and his ERA ballooned to 6.45. However, he has turned his season around, with 13.2 shutout innings, six hits allowed, and 18 strikeouts in the last six weeks.
Acquiring Iglesias may not be worth the headache, but if Philadelphia is desperate enough and the Braves are not stubborn, a deal could be worth it for each team.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Baseball
