The Philadelphia Phillies have suffered two major setbacks in the past week that could jeopardize their grip on an NL Wild Card spot.

First, Aaron Nola — who’s once again enduring one of his puzzling odd-year slumps — was sidelined indefinitely with an ankle injury. Then came a bigger blow: star closer José Alvarado received an 80-game suspension for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy.

With a 28-18 record and holding the second-best mark in a competitive NL East, the Phillies are likely to be in plenty of close games this summer — and they’ll need a reliable closer to finish them off. That’s far from guaranteed with Jordan Romano, who’s struggled to a 7.27 ERA so far in 2025, a far cry from his All-Star form in 2022–23.

Though the trade deadline is still months away, it would be wise for Philadelphia to act early and aggressively in pursuit of a high-leverage reliever.

3 closers the Phillies can target in a trade to replace Jose Alvarado

Devin Williams, New York Yankees

It may not be the most exciting option — especially considering Romano’s inconsistency — but Williams brings one of the strongest recent track records of any reliever in baseball.

Despite posting a rough 7.80 ERA over 15 innings this season, Williams is just a year removed from dominating with a 1.70 ERA and 68 saves from 2020 to 2024. His fastball velocity has dipped to 93.6 mph, down from last year and well below his 2020 peak, and opponents are hitting his signature changeup harder than ever (.309 wOBA allowed).

Still, there are encouraging signs. He’s generating swings and misses at an elite 31.5% clip, and his hard-hit rate ranks in the 92nd percentile. Over his last four outings, he’s given up just one hit and no runs while striking out the side twice.

As a rental who’s struggled in New York, Williams likely wouldn’t command a high price in a trade — even if the Yankees are eager to salvage some value from their acquisition. If the Phillies trust the underlying metrics (his 3.17 FIP suggests better days are ahead), a move back to the National League could help him rediscover his form.

Mason Miller, Athletics

Miller’s 4.50 ERA doesn’t tell the full story. If you exclude the five earned runs he gave up in Miami on May 3, his ERA drops to an impressive 1.69 — a figure that would likely put him in the All-Star conversation, if he isn’t already.

The A’s closer has been lights out, striking out an outrageous 47.0% of opposing batters. His fastball averages triple digits and ranks in the 100th percentile per Baseball Savant. He’s the definition of overpowering — and he hasn’t even reached arbitration yet, with team control through multiple seasons.

Naturally, all of that makes him an extremely pricey trade target. And with the A’s sitting at 20-17 before their recent 2-8 slump, they might not even be sellers by the time the trade deadline rolls around.

If Oakland is open to moving him, though, Miller would be the top-tier option for the Phillies to replace Alvarado. But the cost would be steep — likely one or more of Philadelphia’s Top 100 prospects. The big question: is a reliever worth that kind of price?

Ryan Pressly, Chicago Cubs

In terms of trade value, Pressly would be the most affordable option among the relievers mentioned. With 116 career saves, the 36-year-old brings proven experience and has the credentials to close games for a contending team.

That said, he’s no longer the dominant force he once was in Houston’s bullpen. Aside from his ability to induce ground balls, most of his numbers this season have been below league average. His fastball velocity is down to a career-low 93.1 mph, which reflects some decline.

If you take out his worst outing of the season — an eight-run meltdown without recording an out against the Giants on May 6 — his ERA drops to a respectable 1.65. While his 4.86 FIP suggests that number may be misleading, it also shows he hasn’t been quite as poor as Cubs fans may think.

Ultimately, Pressly would only serve as a short-term fill-in for Alvarado. If the Phillies are serious about making a deep run, they’d be wise to aim higher.