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By Zach Pressnell
Contributing Sports Writer
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Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly recently suggested the Philadelphia Phillies could fill the massive hole in their bullpen by acquiring Minnesota Twins reliever Griffin Jax at the trade deadline.
That's even after the Phils recently ponied up to sign veteran reliever David Robertson.
"The Phillies are a team that even after signing David Robertson is desperately in need of bullpen reinforcements," Kelly wrote. "Offseason signee Jordan Romano hasn't panned out, and while José Alvarado will return in mid-August from his PED suspension, he's not going to be eligible to pitch in the postseason.
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"Jax would immediately be the best reliever in Rob Thomson's bullpen, giving the Phillies an elite arm to pair with their excellent starting rotation in a year with World Series expectations. He also has two remaining arbitration years after 2025, so the Phillies would potentially be getting Jax for three postseason runs. Of course, the Twins aren't going to trade the 30-year-old unless they get a great return."
But does this idea make sense for both sides?
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For the Phillies, it clearly works. They're going to be without their closer, Jose Alvarado, in the postseason because of a failed drug test earlier in the year. Adding Jax would give the team a shutdown reliever for the backend of games.
Jax was incredible last season, holding a 2.03 ERA and 0.87 WHIP across 71 innings. In 45 innings this season, Jax has struck out 36.5 percent of the batters he's faced.
For the Twins, this idea would only make sense if the Phillies were willing to give up multiple star prospects. Jax has team control left on his contract, so it's not like Minnesota is forced to move him.
The Phillies would likely be willing to cut ties with top prospects for talented relievers again this year. They did so last season, notably with Carlos Estévez, in an attempt to push for the World Series. It's likely the Phillies will be willing to meet the Twins' asking price.
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