As the trade deadline approaches, the Philadelphia Phillies have pinpointed their most pressing issue: the bullpen. General Manager Dave Dombrowski has held back from investing heavily in bullpen arms, but expert analysis indicates that to compete in a challenging National League playoff race, this strategy must change. Reports suggest that the Phillies are considering adding both elite and journeyman relievers to bolster their roster, which has struggled in high-leverage situations.

One name that stands out in potential trade talks is Dennis Santana of the Pittsburgh Pirates. In his second season with the Pirates, Santana has excelled, boasting a stellar 2.09 ERA in 73 games since 2024, with notable performances in 2025 where he has a 1.62 ERA over 33.1 innings. At 29, he is still under team control through 2026, making him a feasible and cost-effective option for the Phillies.