Despite the disappointing start to the 2026 MLB season, which led to the firing of manager Rob Thomson, the Philadelphia Phillies are right back in postseason talks. At 51-42, they're just three games back in the National League East behind the Atlanta Braves.
While interim manager Don Mattingly and the current roster have put the team back into contention, there are several areas of concern. The bullpen has been a clear weakness, which the Phillies are expected to address before the Aug. 3 trade deadline.
This season, Philadelphia's relievers rank 21st in ERA (4.39), 10th in hits allowed (329), 20th in WHIP (1.36) and 25th in opponent batting average (.255).
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With the deadline less than a month away, trade talks are expected to intensify. MLB.com names the Phillies as a potential suitor for San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller, if he becomes available.
"So, which clubs could be the top suitors for Miller?" MLB.com wrote. "Plenty of teams see bullpen help as their greatest Deadline need, but a few contenders stand out. The Phillies have a 5.13 bullpen ERA since June 1, and president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is known for making bold, win-now moves."
Miller has been elite this season with the Padres. In 36 appearances, he's tossed 37.2 innings, accumulating a 0.96 ERA, a 0.80 WHIP and 69 strikeouts. He is also 23-for-23 in save opportunities.
Having Miller, alongside reliever Jhoan Duran, who is 22-for-23 in save opportunities, would give Philadelphia an elite duo for the eighth and ninth innings. It wouldn't be cheap to get the 27-year-old, though. One National League executive previously told Mark Feinsand of MLB.com that the Padres could likely get two top 100 prospects for Miller.
However, Miller's contract situation would sweeten the deal for Philadelphia or any other team interested. He has three more years of arbitration and isn't set to hit free agency until the 2030 season.
If the Phillies wish to capitalize on their impressive turnaround under Mattingly, though, acquiring a difference-maker like Miller could be the move that pushes them closer to a deep postseason run.
