The Philadelphia Phillies have suffered two major setbacks over the past week that could jeopardize their grip on a National League Wild Card spot.
First, Aaron Nola — who has been enduring another one of his puzzling off-years — was sidelined indefinitely due to an ankle injury. Then, star closer José Alvarado received an 80-game suspension after testing positive for performance-enhancing substances.
Despite boasting a 28-18 record and being the second-best team in the competitive NL East, the Phillies will need a dependable closer to lock down late-inning leads throughout the summer — especially with Jordan Romano still struggling, currently sporting a 7.27 ERA and showing no signs of returning to his All-Star form from 2022–23.
Though the trade deadline is still months away, it would be wise for the Phillies to get ahead of the market and target a reliable reliever now.
3 Closers the Phillies Could Pursue via Trade to Replace José Alvarado
Devin Williams – New York Yankees
Williams might not be the flashiest name, particularly given Romano’s poor performance, but his recent résumé ranks among the best in the league.
So far in 2025, he’s been a shadow of his former self, posting a 7.80 ERA over 15 innings. His fastball velocity has dropped to 93.6 mph — a full mile per hour slower than last season and several ticks below his 2020 peak — and opponents are hitting his once-unhittable changeup harder than ever (.309 wOBA).
Still, there are encouraging signs: he’s generating swings and misses at an elite 31.5% rate and ranks in the 92nd percentile in limiting hard contact. In his last four appearances, he’s given up just one hit and no runs, striking out the side twice.
Given his struggles and rental status, Williams likely wouldn’t cost the Phillies much in a trade. If they trust his advanced metrics (like his 3.17 FIP), a move back to the National League could help him thrive again.
Mason Miller – Oakland Athletics
Miller’s 4.50 ERA doesn’t tell the whole story. If not for a five-run meltdown in Miami on May 3, his ERA would be a stellar 1.69 — worthy of All-Star buzz.
He’s been dominant, striking out an absurd 47% of opposing batters and featuring a fastball that ranks in the 100th percentile in velocity, per Baseball Savant. Miller is overpowering, and he’s not even eligible for arbitration until next season.
However, his talent and team control mean he’ll come with a steep price. And with the A’s having played competitive baseball (they were 20-17 before a recent slump), there’s no guarantee they’ll be sellers by July.
If Oakland is open to a deal, Miller would be the top-tier option for Philadelphia — but acquiring him could require surrendering one or more Top 100 prospects. The question is whether a reliever is worth that kind of haul.
Of the three, Pressly would be the most affordable trade target. With 116 career saves, the 36-year-old brings the kind of experience and pedigree contenders look for in a ninth-inning arm.
That said, he’s no longer the dominant closer he was in Houston. Aside from his groundball rate, most of his metrics are down this season, and his fastball is sitting at a career-low 93.1 mph.
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