As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the Philadelphia Phillies are focusing on bolstering their roster, particularly the bullpen. With current struggles from Jordan Romano and the suspension of Jose Alvarado for the postseason, the need for a reliable closer has become urgent. Phillies legend Jimmy Rollins emphasizes the importance of acquiring a closer who can consistently close out games. Rollins believes that the Phillies must pursue a reliever who can ensure victories when leading late in games.

Several potential targets have emerged in the trade market, including Emmanuel Clase from the Cleveland Guardians, who boasts a solid season despite not replicating his previous year's dominance. Another option is Jhoan Duran of the Minnesota Twins, who has impressive strikeout numbers and a low ERA, making him an attractive choice. Other candidates include David Bednar from the Pittsburgh Pirates and Kyle Finnegan from the Washington Nationals. For Rollins and the Phillies, securing a dependable closer is crucial for a successful postseason run.

The MLB draft continues to showcase emerging talents, and Cade Obermueller, a former Iowa standout, has made waves after being selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the second round of the 2025 MLB draft. Recognized for his impressive fastball-slider combination, Obermueller is expected to make a quick ascent through the minor leagues, potentially debuting within the next year. His 226 strikeouts in 165 innings during his collegiate career, paired with a solid 3.60 ERA, reflect his capabilities on the mound.

ESPN's Kiley McDaniel highlighted the Phillies as major winners due to their selections, particularly praising Obermueller's potential as a starter. With a history of producing successful pitchers, including Aaron Nola and Ranger Suárez, the Phillies' organization aims to further develop Obermueller's talents as he joins a growing pipeline of MLB pitchers from Iowa.

Jacob Misiorowski, a rookie pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers, is set to make his debut in the MLB All-Star Game, despite having only five starts and a limited resume. His selection has sparked controversy within the league, especially from players like Trae Turner and Nick Castellanos, who argue that more seasoned pitchers like Cristopher Sanchez should have been chosen instead. Misiorowski's powerful pitches—averaging over 100 mph—have drawn attention, but critics see this selection as a move to attract viewers rather than reward performance.

Other notable storylines include the starting matchup between Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes, two of the league's best young pitchers, and Cal Raleigh aiming to break home run records. First-time All-Stars like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Clayton Kershaw's potential final appearance in the All-Star Game add to the excitement. Moreover, the MLB will showcase a new automated ball-strike challenge system, allowing players to contest calls during the game.

In the recent MLB amateur draft, the Chicago White Sox picked Landon Hodge, a standout catcher from Crespi High, with the first selection of the fourth round. Hodge, who has committed to LSU, is expected to bring significant depth to the White Sox's farm system. Other notable draft picks included Riley Kelly, a pitcher from Tustin High, selected by the Rockies, and Colin Yeaman, a shortstop from Saugus, who went to the Orioles. The Cubs also made headlines by drafting outfielder Josiah Hartshorn from Orange Lutheran in the sixth round.

The draft spanned from the fourth to the twentieth rounds and highlighted a mix of talent from California schools and universities. Pitchers Sean Youngerman and Caden Hunter found homes with the Phillies and Orioles, respectively. The Tigers added two players in the later rounds, selecting Nick Dumesnil and Trevor Heishman, both of whom showed remarkable performance in their high school and collegiate careers. The White Sox's choice of Hodge underscores their commitment to strengthening their roster for the future.

Max Kepler's first season with the Philadelphia Phillies has been a challenging one after a successful tenure with the Minnesota Twins. Signed for a one-year, $10 million deal, Kepler has struggled with consistency and has been primarily matched against right-handed pitchers, which has limited his playing time.

As the All-Star break approaches, Kepler's stats reflect his difficulties: a .210 batting average, .678 OPS, ten home runs, and 31 RBIs over 85 games. His recent pinch-hitting for Otto Kemp during a game against the Padres indicates that Kepler's role within the team may be diminishing. Manager Rob Thomson noted Kepler's professionalism regarding his reduced role, but the veteran seems frustrated as the Phillies fight for their position atop the NL East.