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2mo ago

Phillies Hold Harper at First as MLB Contenders Hone Trade-Deadline Plans

Teams from Philadelphia to Boston are mapping trades to address roster gaps ahead of the July 31 deadline.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 21: Alex Bregman #2 of the Boston Red Sox warms up before a game against the New York Mets at Fenway Park on May 21, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 24: Aroldis Chapman #44 of Boston Red Sox throws in the bottom of the ninth inning during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on June 24, 2025 in Anaheim, California.
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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 03: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates after scoring a run during the eighth inning against the Miami Marlins in Game One of the Wild Card Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 03, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Overview

  • Dave Dombrowski prefers to keep Bryce Harper at first base despite Harper’s willingness to move back to the outfield and a current wrist injury.
  • Outside of Nick Castellanos, Phillies outfielders are hitting below a .713 OPS and their bullpen carries a 4.63 ERA, fueling interest in high-leverage relievers like Aroldis Chapman.
  • Chicago Cubs president Jed Hoyer confirmed plans to target top starting pitchers and relievers at the deadline while warning against overpaying for short-term help.
  • Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow declared the team will add a bat, bolster the bullpen and reinforce the rotation despite trading Rafael Devers earlier this month.
  • Manager Alex Cora said Alex Bregman is on track to return after the All-Star break as Boston recalled infielder Nick Sogard to replace Marcelo Mayer on the active roster.