MLB Trade Rumors: Phillies Are Front-Runners for Padres Relievers’ Services

Earlier today, ESPN’s Buster Olney reported that the Philadelphia Phillies are currently the front-runners to acquire any of the San Diego Heath Bell, Mike Adams or Chad Qualls.

The Phillies, who have been looking for another bullpen arm or two due to injuries (Brad Lidge, Jose Contreras and Ryan Madson, who came off the DL earlier today) and struggling relievers (Danys Baez, David Herndon) will most likely do whatever they can to acquire either one of these arms to bolster their bullpen and make a World Series push.

This season, Bell is 2-3 with a 2.43 ERA, a 1.19 WHIP and has recorded 26 saves. He’d most likely close should he go to Philly, although he said that he would set up if asked if traded to a team this season. Bell, who makes $7.5 million in his final season before becoming a free agent, could cost a little more than the Phillies can afford, unless the Padres engulf some of his salary, which would probably mean they would receive a top prospect in return.

Adams, who has gone 3-1 this year with a 1.29 ERA and a 0.71 WHIP, has been the Padres’ best reliever this season. However, due to the fact that he’s still under team control through next season and comes at the low price of $2.535 million this season, he could demand a better prospect than Bell.

Qualls would be a decent fit in Philly as well. This season, he’s 4-3 with a 2.70 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP. He probably wouldn’t demand as much in return prospect-wise due to the fact that his stats aren’t as good as those of Bell and Adams, and he only costs $1.5 million this season with a cheap $1.05 million buyout on his $6 million club option next season.

Regardless of how this ends up, it looks like the Phillies will make a strong push to get one of San Diego’s bullpen arms, and that will be sure to give the Philllies more of an edge to win the NL East and potentially even the World Series. One of these guys, along with Ryan Madson, Antonio Bastardo and Michael Stutes would practically be unhittable.

Also check out:

Phillies Trade Rumors: 5 Relievers They’re Looking at to Shore Up the Bullpen

Philadelphia Phillies: 10 Moves They Could Make as Buyers or Sellers This July 

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