Overview

• The Phillies’ top priority is adding a high-end closer before Thursday’s 6 p.m. ET deadline, but Aroldis Chapman is on a contender, Félix Bautista is injured and Emmanuel Clase is on paid leave.
• Luis Robert Jr. has surged in July, batting .318 with three home runs, 11 RBIs and a .957 OPS over 13 games to revive his trade appeal.
• Philadelphia evaluators got an up-close view of Robert’s power and speed at Rate Field when he homered off Cristopher Sánchez and made a standout catch in center.
• Bryce Harper has publicly offered to move to the outfield if the Phillies acquire a center fielder, providing roster flexibility to accommodate Robert.
• Robert’s contract features $20 million club options for 2026 and 2027, effectively making him a controlled-cost, short-term rental asset.