The Philadelphia Phillies continue to rise despite some challenges and remain in control of the NL East, holding a 54-39 overall record. That strong position has the team exploring ways to upgrade their bullpen—reportedly targeting a pair of Twins relievers and a veteran teammate of Guardians starter Gavin Williams.
According to a report from Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Phillies have ramped up their scouting efforts on the Minnesota Twins, eyeing relievers Griffin Jax and Jhoan Durán—if Minnesota makes them available at the deadline.
“The Phillies have a specific interest in the American League Central; they began scouting the Minnesota Twins more heavily this week in anticipation of them being sellers, league sources said. Griffin Jax and Jhoan Durán will be prized targets if Minnesota makes them available,” Gelb wrote.
Phillies looking to poach support from Gavin Williams’ bullpen
Gelb also reported that the Phillies have their eyes on another late-inning weapon: Emmanuel Clase of the Cleveland Guardians. Clase has played a key role protecting leads for Guardians starters like Gavin Williams.
“There is a potential match with the Cleveland Guardians, who boast a deep bullpen headlined by Emmanuel Clase. Teams expect Cleveland to take offers on Clase, who is signed through 2026 with $10 million club options for 2027 and 2028,” Gelb noted.
Phillies prepared to make serious offers
According to Gelb, Philadelphia is willing to part with some of their top MLB prospects if it means landing a veteran, controllable bullpen arm like Clase—who has six years of big-league experience, most of them with Cleveland.
“The Phillies, for now, sound more willing to trade bigger prospect chips for controllable big leaguers, especially a shutdown, late-inning reliever. The Phillies have a top-heavy farm system; major-league sources said initial indications are the Phillies want to shop this July in a more expensive aisle than the rental one. They have the prospects to do it.”