The Philadelphia Phillies have had a strong start to the 2021 MLB season, but recent events have highlighted a potential weakness in their roster. After the suspension of reliever Jose Alvarado, the Phillies find themselves in need of bullpen help. However, the solution to their problem may lie with their former rivals across the state, the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Alvarado’s suspension for three games due to an altercation with the New York Mets has left the Phillies with a gap in their bullpen. This is a blow to the team, as Alvarado has been a key player in their bullpen this season, with a 2.84 ERA and 14 strikeouts in 12.2 innings pitched. His absence will be felt, especially in close games where a reliable reliever is crucial.
The Phillies’ bullpen has been a concern for the team in recent years, and Alvarado’s suspension has only highlighted this issue. While they have some solid options in Hector Neris and Archie Bradley, the rest of the bullpen has been inconsistent. This has led to the Phillies blowing leads and losing games that they should have won.
This is where the Pittsburgh Pirates come in. The Pirates may not be the most successful team in recent years, but they do have a strong bullpen that could provide the Phillies with the help they need. In fact, the Pirates’ bullpen has the second-best ERA in the National League, with a 2.97 ERA. This is a stark contrast to the Phillies’ bullpen, which has a 4.31 ERA.
One name that stands out in the Pirates’ bullpen is Richard Rodriguez. The 31-year-old right-hander has been lights out this season, with a 1.08 ERA and six saves in 16.2 innings pitched. He has also struck out 18 batters while only walking two. Rodriguez has been a reliable closer for the Pirates and could provide the Phillies with a much-needed boost in their bullpen.
Another option for the Phillies could be left-hander Sam Howard. The 27-year-old has a 2.08 ERA in 13 innings pitched this season and has proven to be a valuable asset out of the bullpen for the Pirates. With Alvarado’s suspension, the Phillies could use another left-handed reliever, and Howard could fit the bill perfectly.
The Pirates also have some young, promising arms in their bullpen, such as Chris Stratton and David Bednar. Both have shown potential and could provide the Phillies with some much-needed depth in their bullpen.
But it’s not just the Pirates’ bullpen that could help the Phillies. The Pirates also have some solid hitters that could be of interest to the Phillies. One name that stands out is outfielder Bryan Reynolds. The 26-year-old is having a breakout season, with a .313 batting average, six home runs, and 20 RBIs. He could provide the Phillies with some much-needed offensive firepower, especially with the recent struggles of their outfielders.
Of course, any potential trade between the Phillies and the Pirates would have to be carefully considered by both teams. The Pirates may not be willing to part with their top players, and the Phillies would have to give up some valuable assets in return. But with the Pirates in a rebuilding phase, they may be open to making a deal that could benefit both teams.
In the end, the Phillies need to address their bullpen issues if they want to compete for a playoff spot this season. And the Pirates could be the perfect trade partner to help them do just that. With a strong bullpen and some promising hitters, the Pirates could provide the Phillies with the help they need to solidify their roster and make a push for the postseason.
It’s time for the Phillies to put their past rivalry with the Pirates aside and consider them as a potential solution to their bullpen problems. A trade with their former rivals could be just what the Phillies need to take their team to the next level. Let’s hope the front office is paying attention and makes a move to strengthen their bullpen before it’s too late.
