MLB Trade Rumors: Insider Links Phillies To Two Pirates Players

Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson walks onto field during 2025 game.

The Philadelphia Phillies may be first in the National League standings, but their bullpen just took a major hit.

Left-handed closer José Alvarado was hit with an 80-game suspension for violating MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, leaving a major void in the late innings. That gap has led the Phillies to scout the Pittsburgh Pirates for reinforcements—and two names have emerged.

Phillies Linked to Pirates’ Bednar, Santana After Alvarado Suspension

According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, the Phillies have shown interest in right-handers Dennis Santana and David Bednar, both of whom have quietly become key pieces in a struggling Pirates bullpen.

Santana, earning $1.4 million this season with two years of arbitration control, has been outstanding. He holds a 1.86 ERA over 20 games, notching four saves and holding opponents to a .200 batting average. His low-cost, high-upside profile makes him an attractive trade candidate for a contender in need of reliable relief.

David Bednar since being recalled from AAA (12 G):

• 11.2 IP, 10 H, 3 R, 3 ER
• 1 BB, 18 SO
• 2.31 ERA, 0.28 FIP
• .227 BAA, .535 OPS pic.twitter.com/4NJOFsO7Zh
— Platinum Ke’Bryan (@PlatinumKey13) May 15, 2025

David Bednar, a two-time All-Star, brings more experience but also more risk. After losing his closer role and being demoted to Triple-A in April, Bednar has rebounded since his return with 10 scoreless outings in 14 appearances. He’s posted a 3.65 ERA with 20 strikeouts and just one walk in 12.1 innings, making him, as Feinsand put it, the “most intriguing early-season trade option.”

The Phillies will need to decide if Bednar’s recent resurgence outweighs his earlier struggles, especially with a $5.9 million salary and one year of arbitration left.