Phillies Linked to Pirates’ Bednar and Santana Ahead of Deadline

As the Major League Baseball trade deadline closes in on the Philadelphia Phillies, names are starting to emerge that they could look to target or add on or by July 31.

Phillies Eye Pirates Relievers to Bolster Bullpen

The team is desperate for bullpen help, and two names you're going to start hearing more about leading up to the deadline are Pittsburgh Pirates right-handed relievers Dennis Santana and David Bednar.

Here is the latest from Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Pirates beat writer Noah Hiles:

The Post-Gazette learned Monday that Philadelphia, which boasts clear issues with the backend of its bullpen, has inquired about both Santana and Bednar.

Both Pirates pitchers are controllable after this season, which is attractive to the Phillies.

Bednar, like Santana, has one remaining year of club control after this season, as 2026 marks the final year of arbitration eligibility for both right-handers.

Who Are Dennis Santana and David Bednar?

Santana has been outstanding this season in the Pirates pen, in 38 games for Pittsburgh the right-hander has a 1.42 ERA and 0.765 WHIP with 28 strikeouts in 38 innings pitched.  The one big number for Santana is the lack of home runs, giving up just one long ball this season and just two in 44.1 innings pitched last year with the Pirates.

As for Bednar, the veteran right-hander is the Pirates primary closer with 12 saves this season in 33 games.  Overall, after a slow start, Bednar has a 2.73 ERA, 1.15 WHIP with 42 strikeouts in 29.2 innings pitched.

What Would a Trade Cost Philadelphia?

So what would it take for the Phillies to acquire one—or even both—of these relievers?

Well, the first two names would be Justin Crawford and Mick Abel.  Would the Pirates be interested in either one of the Phillies top prospects? The Pirates need young offensive pieces, but have some good young pitching, so Crawford might make more sense when dealing with Pittsburgh.

The sand is flowing through the hourglass, what will Dave Dombrowski do?  We're all watching.