The Philadelphia Phillies are flying high at the All-Star break. But soon, the focus will shift to making improvements at the trade deadline.
The obvious hole for the Phillies is in center field, where second-year speedster Johan Rojas has taken a step back offensively. The Phillies also have a shortage of depth in the rotation, despite four excellent starters having monster years.
However, the obvious additions aren't always the ones that win championships. Sometimes, a key trade to bolster an area of the roster that already looks strong can be the move that carries a team over the finish line.
ClutchPoints' Andrew Meyers wrote a list of "sneaky" trade targets for the Phillies to consider at this season's trade deadline. And at the top of that list was Texas Rangers All-Star closer Kirby Yates.
"The 37-year-old Yates was out to prove he could still pitch at an elite level this season. He has done that and might find himself on a World Series contender before August," Meyers said.
Indeed, Yates has been fabulous this season, especially for a Rangers team that struggled to find a closer even on their dominant World Series run in 2023. Yates has a 1.05 ERA with 46 strikeouts in 34.1 innings. And he's a perfect 16-for-16 in save opportunities.
Whether or not the Phillies are looking for a true closer, it's undeniable they could use some help at the back end of the bullpen. Though they have two All-Star relievers, Philadelphia's 14 blown saves are tied for 11th-most in MLB.
Matt Strahm and Jeff Hoffman have been brilliant. José Alvarado has been adequate as the de facto closer and is having a great career in Philadelphia. But adding one more proven late-inning weapon might be the final piece of the championship puzzle.
It's a luxury to mull over adding to an already solid bullpen. But the reality is that a World Series is the only objective for this year's Phillies team. If adding Yates increases those odds, there's no reason not to pursue him.
More MLB: This is Phillies number-one priority at trade deadline, according to ex-GM
