BREAKING NEWS: Phillies Eye Kyle Finnegan and Jake Bird in Search for Crucial Bullpen Reinforcement to Replace Jose Alvarado.
As the MLB trade deadline looms and the Philadelphia Phillies prepare for what they hope will be a deep postseason run, the team is urgently exploring bullpen reinforcements following the injury setback to veteran closer José Alvarado. Sources inside the organization reveal that the Phillies have narrowed their search down to two primary targets: Kyle Finnegan of the Washington Nationals and Jake Bird of the Colorado Rockies.
Alvarado, a key late-inning weapon and emotional leader for Philadelphia, is expected to be sidelined for a significant stretch due to an elbow issue that has been nagging him since mid-May. His absence has left a noticeable gap in the back end of the bullpen, particularly in high-leverage situations.
Kyle Finnegan Leads the Shortlist
According to insiders, Kyle Finnegan is currently the top name on the Phillies’ wishlist. The 32-year-old right-hander has quietly pieced together an impressive season in Washington, posting a sub-2.50 ERA with 17 saves and a career-best WHIP. Known for his power fastball and consistent command, Finnegan’s experience and closing pedigree make him an appealing option for a club looking to stabilize its bullpen immediately.
“He brings the kind of intensity and consistency we need in October,” a Phillies executive reportedly said.
Acquiring Finnegan, however, won’t come cheap. With multiple contenders eyeing bullpen help, the Nationals are expected to demand a premium package—likely a mix of top-10 prospects and MLB-ready talent.
Jake Bird Emerges as a Budget-Friendly Option
Should negotiations for Finnegan stall, the Phillies are also seriously evaluating Jake Bird as a second-tier but still viable solution. Bird, a 28-year-old right-hander, has been a bright spot in an otherwise struggling Rockies bullpen. Though he lacks closer experience, Bird’s ground-ball-heavy profile and mid-90s sinker make him a strong candidate for setup or multi-inning relief roles.
Philadelphia sees Bird as a less costly alternative with upside, especially in a postseason environment where versatility is key.
Urgency and Expectation Mount
With the NL East race tightening and the Phillies eyeing nothing short of a World Series return, President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski is expected to move swiftly. A deal could materialize within the next 7–10 days, especially as internal bullpen arms have struggled to fill Alvarado’s shoes.
Fans will be watching closely as the Phillies decide: go big for Finnegan, or play it smart and steady with Bird? Either way, Philadelphia’s championship hopes may rest on who they bring in to anchor the late innings in Alvarado’s absence.
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