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Phillies make another trade with Twins, acquire righthanded outfielder originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

When Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski met with the media in the Phillies clubhouse at Rate Field in Chicago to announce the team acquiring Jhoan Duran, he was asked if there was another move coming.

“We’re not done,” he said, before quickly backtracking to “we’re not done talking.”

Talk he did, and to the same team that brought them Duran, to the Minnesota Twins for a second deal that brought the Phillies righthanded outfielder Harrison Bader. They sent a pair of prospects, outfielder Hendry Mendez and righthanded pitcher Geremy Villoria, as return.

Bader, the 31-year-old, has traveled the league in his nine seasons and is considered a very good outfielder. He was named the Best Defensive Outfielder in the National League in Baseball America’s 2019 Best Tools survey of managers, coaches, scouts and executives and in 2021 won the Gold Glove award for centerfield.

He signed a one-year contract with the Twins before the season for $6.25 million with a mutual option for 2026.

Bader isn’t the big bat or more well-known player that was rumored to be coming to the Phillies in the previous days. Those names were Luis Robert Jr. of the White Sox, Cleveland’s Steven Kwan or Arizona’s Eugenio Suarez, who was moved to the Seattle Mariners, to name a few. But the addition of Hader will perhaps stabilize an outfield for manager Rob Thomson that has platooned Max Kepler, Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas in center and left for most of the season.

Is the team done with their $10 million experiment in Kepler, who is hitting just .203 this season? Are they going to give Justin Crawford a shot as he is hitting .325 in Lehigh Valley with 33 stolen bases? Is there room for another upscale defender, low-power guy in the outfield? Crawford has just three home runs in 329 at bats, Rojas is a player the organization just wants to try and reach base to create some havoc with his speed and, though he is hitting the ball very well of late, Marsh isn’t exactly a bopper, as his five home runs prove.

Marsh, it appears, is pretty much set in stone to get a majority of playing time, whether it be left or center. Though his .204 batting average and .286 on base percentage against lefties this year isn’t ideal. Bader is also someone who can play either left or center and someone who hits a bit better against righthanders (.266 avg., .347 OBP) than lefties (,241, .318). One thing that is for certain is that Nick Castellanos will be the right fielder.

As much delight, and rightfully so, the Duran trade brought to the baseball fans of the Delaware Valley, the addition of Bader seems to be garnering the “uh, okay” type of reaction that sticks to a player that now will be suiting up for his sixth team in nine years.

With the MLB trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Mets have been discussing a potential trade with the White Sox that would bring Luis Robert Jr. to Queens.

According to multiple reports, New York has been one of the most aggressive suitors for Robert.

However, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reported on Thursday that while the Mets and Phillies "remain in the mix to some extent" on Robert, "the Padres have emerged as the team to watch."

As far as what it could take to acquire Robert, ESPN's Buster Olney recently reported that the White Sox "are resolute in the stance that they'll either receive a trade return equivalent of what Robert's potential is or hang onto him beyond the deadline."

Mark Vientosand Luisangel Acuña are "among the names that have come up" between the Mets and White Sox, according to Olney.

SNY's Andy Martino reported on Monday that the Mets were discussing Vientos in trade talks.

Robert's year at the plate hasn't been great, but he has erupted over the last two weeks, slashing .314/.407/.569 with four homers in 59 plate appearances over 16 games.

Going back to June 6, Robert has been strong, hitting .260/.347/.462 with six homers in 119 plate appearances spanning 32 games.

The Mets are currently using Tyrone Taylor and Jeff McNeil in center field, which is less than ideal given Taylor's offensive struggles and McNeil being out of position.

President of baseball operations David Stearns hedged a bit recently when asked about upgrading center field. But he explained that the team would be open to it if the player they acquired passed a certain "bar" for them.

Whether Chicago is bluffing or not when it comes to the return they're seeking for Robert remains to be seen, but it's hard to picture any team paying top dollar in terms of major league talent and/or position players in order to acquire a player who has struggled badly at the plate for most of the last two seasons.

What complicates matters is that while Robert can be a free agent after the season, his contract contains a pair of club options -- worth $20 million each for 2026 and 2027.

That means the Sox could theoretically keep him and pick up his option if he excels down the stretch. It also means an acquiring team isn't taking on much risk, but could reap a serious reward if Robert snaps back into being the player he was as recently as 2023, when he smashed 38 homers and had an .857 OPS.

Still just 27 years old, Robert's potential is immense. And while his offensive ceiling is the most tantalizing part of his game, he's also an elite defensive center fielder.

Yankees reportedly land Pirates' David Bednar in MLB trade deadline splash originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The New York Yankees have made an MLB trade deadline day splash.

New York is acquiring two-time All-Star closer David Bednar from the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to multiple reports on Thursday.

The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal was first to report the deal.

New York reportedly is sending a trio of prospects to Pittsburgh: catchers Rafael Flores and Edgleen Perez, along with outfielder Brian Sanchez. Flores and Perez were the Yankees’ eighth- and 14th-ranked prospects, respectively, according to MLB.com.

Bednar, 30, has rebounded from a down 2024 campaign, sporting a 2.37 ERA with 51 strikeouts and 10 walks in 38 innings across 42 appearances this season. The right-hander is also a perfect 17-for-17 in save opportunities.

Bedar was an All-Star in back-to-back seasons before his ERA ballooned to 5.77 in 2024.

Bednar is under club control for one more season beyond 2025.

This story is being updated.

Here's what happened in Mets Land on Wednesday, in case you missed it...

• The Mets traded for the flamethrowing Ryan Helsley and the deceptive Tyler Rogers while reshaping their bullpen on the eve of trade deadline day
• In exchange for Helsley, the Mets sent prospects Jesus Baez, Nate Dohm, and Frank Elissalt to the Cardinals
• For Rogers, the Mets dealt Blade Tidwell, Drew Gilbert, and Jose Butto to the Giants
• SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino explained the Mets' thought process in trading the above package for Rogers
• Mets' bullpen upgrades are a great start, but more additions are needed if they want to be truly all-in
• Mets could be the frontrunner in a potential trade for Luis Robert Jr.
• Clay Holmesstruggled and the Mets' offense was stymied as they lost to the Padres
• Francisco Alvarezexited early after being hit in the mask by a foul ball, but cleared concussion protocol
• Juan Soto is expected to return to the lineup on Friday against the Giants at Citi Field
• Carlos Mendoza discussed the trade for Rogers
• Nolan McLean and Jonah Tongwere strong in their latest starts in the minors
• WATCH: Butto hugs teammates goodbye after being traded
• WATCH: Breaking down the trade for Helsley

Athletics trade Mason Miller and J.P. Sears to Padres for four players originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Athletics shook up their roster in a major way on Thursday.

The Green and Gold traded star closer Mason Miller and starting pitcher J.P. Sears to the San Diego Padres for shortstop prospect Leodalis De Vries, the No. 3 prospect in baseball, and right-handed pitchers Braden Nett, Henry Báez and Eduarniel Nuñez, the team announced after ESPN’s Jeff Passan first reported the news.

The 26-year-old Miller was an MLB All-Star for the Athletics in 2024, and in 38 games this season, posted a 3.76 ERA with 59 strikeouts, 18 walks and 20 saves in 38 1/3 innings pitched.

Sears, the Athletics’ staff ace, posted a 4.95 ERA with 97 strikeouts to 29 walks in 111 innings pitched this season.

While both pitchers certainly were beloved by fans and within the organization, it appears the A’s got a haul from the Padres.

As mentioned, De Vries is the third-best prospect in all of baseball, per MLB.com, and in 82 games at the High-A level, the 18-year-old shortstop is batting .245/.357/.410 with eight home runs, 46 RBI and eight stolen bases with a .767 OPS in 368 plate appearances.

Nett, a 23-year-old starting pitcher, is San Diego’s No. 3 prospect, and in 17 starts at the Double-A level, posted a 3.39 ERA with 86 strikeouts to 34 walks in 74 1/3 innings pitched.

Báez, a 22-year-old starting pitcher, is San Diego’s No. 13 prospect, and in 20 starts at the Double-A level, posted a very impressive 1.96 ERA with 89 strikeouts and 31 walks in 96 2/3 innings pitched.

Finally, Nuñez, a 26-year-old relief pitcher and San Diego’s No. 17 prospect, posted a 2.83 ERA with 56 strikeouts and 17 walks in 35 innings pitched across the Double- and Triple-A levels this season while surrendering two earned runs in 4 2/3 innings of work at the major-league level.

Athletics trade Mason Miller and J.P. Sears to Padres for four players originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Athletics shook up their roster in a major way on Thursday.

The Green and Gold traded star closer Mason Miller and starting pitcher J.P. Sears to the San Diego Padres for shortstop prospect Leodalis De Vries, the No. 3 prospect in baseball, and right-handed pitchers Braden Nett, Henry Báez and Eduarniel Nuñez, the team announced after ESPN’s Jeff Passan first reported the news.

The 26-year-old Miller was an MLB All-Star for the Athletics in 2024, and in 38 games this season, posted a 3.76 ERA with 59 strikeouts, 18 walks and 20 saves in 38 1/3 innings pitched.

Sears, the Athletics’ staff ace, posted a 4.95 ERA with 97 strikeouts to 29 walks in 111 innings pitched this season.

While both pitchers certainly were beloved by fans and within the organization, it appears the A’s got a haul from the Padres.

As mentioned, De Vries is the third-best prospect in all of baseball, per MLB.com, and in 82 games at the High-A level, the 18-year-old shortstop is batting .245/.357/.410 with eight home runs, 46 RBI and eight stolen bases with a .767 OPS in 368 plate appearances.

Nett, a 23-year-old starting pitcher, is San Diego’s No. 3 prospect, and in 17 starts at the Double-A level, posted a 3.39 ERA with 86 strikeouts to 34 walks in 74 1/3 innings pitched.

Báez, a 22-year-old starting pitcher, is San Diego’s No. 13 prospect, and in 20 starts at the Double-A level, posted a very impressive 1.96 ERA with 89 strikeouts and 31 walks in 96 2/3 innings pitched.

Finally, Nuñez, a 26-year-old relief pitcher and San Diego’s No. 17 prospect, posted a 2.83 ERA with 56 strikeouts and 17 walks in 35 innings pitched across the Double- and Triple-A levels this season while surrendering two earned runs in 4 2/3 innings of work at the major-league level.

Athletics trade Mason Miller and J.P. Sears to Padres for four players: Report originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Athletics shook up their roster in a major way on Thursday.

The Green and Gold traded star closer Mason Miller and starting pitcher J.P. Sears to the San Diego Padres for shortstop prospect Leodalis De Vries, the No. 3 prospect in baseball, and right-handed pitchers Braden Nett, Henry Báez and Eduarniel Nuñez, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported, citing sources.

The 26-year-old Miller was an All-Star for the Athletics in 2024, and in 38 games this season, posted a 3.76 ERA with 59 strikeouts, 18 walks and 20 saves in 38 1/3 innings pitched.

Sears, the Athletics’ staff ace, posted a 4.95 ERA with 97 strikeouts to 29 walks in 111 innings pitched this season.

While both pitchers certainly were beloved by fans and within the organization, it appears the A’s got a haul from the Padres.

As mentioned, De Vries is the third-best prospect in all of baseball, according to MLB.com, and in 82 games at the High-A level, the 18-year-old shortstop is batting .245/.357/.410 with eight home runs, 46 RBI and eight stolen bases with a .767 OPS in 368 plate appearances.

Nett, a 23-year-old starting pitcher, is San Diego’s No. 3 prospect, and in 17 starts at the Double-A level, posted a 3.39 ERA with 86 strikeouts to 34 walks in 74 1/3 innings pitched.

Báez, a 22-year-old starting pitcher, is San Diego’s No. 13 prospect, and in 20 starts at the Double-A level, posted a very impressive 1.96 ERA with 89 strikeouts and 31 walks in 96 2/3 innings pitched.

Finally, Nuñez, a 26-year-old relief pitcher and San Diego’s No. 17 prospect, posted a 2.83 ERA with 56 strikeouts and 17 walks in 35 innings pitched across the Double- and Triple-A levels this season while surrendering two earned runs in 4 2/3 innings of work at the major-league level.

What they're saying: grades for Phillies' trade for Jhoan Duran originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Phillies made their big splash trade a full day before MLB’s trade deadline, sending two of their top prospects to Minnesota for Twins fireballing closer Jhoan Duran. It’s difficult to find many fans who would disapprove of the trade, but to get full perspective on this, we cast our net wider, and pulled in the many writers across the Interweb who have given out grades to the Phils and Twins for the swap.

Michael Rand, Minnesota Star Tribune – Twins: B, Phillies B+

What they’re saying: “It will be easier to judge this in a few years, obviously, but the bottom line is the Twins got a reasonable haul even if they didn’t get a can’t-miss prospect and sold high on Duran even if you are squeamish about losing him.

It’s a deal that benefits both teams for the stages they are at, but those two extra years of team control with Duran tip the scales a little more in the Phillies’ favor.”

Andy McCullough, Senior MLB Writer, The Athletic – Twins B, Phillies A

What they’re saying: “It’s an easy trade to like for both sides. The Phillies acquired possibly the best reliever on the market, and didn’t have to part with their best prospects. The Twins managed to get a big-league-ready pitcher with a decent floor and a catcher with potential. I guess the price was right.”

Chad Jennings, MLB Writer, The Athletic – Twins A-, Phillies A

What they’re saying: “Rather than trying to nickel and dime their way through quantity over quality, the Phillies went out and got the best shutdown closer on the market (one who’s under contract for two more seasons, just like Zack Wheeler). This is the Phillies’ window to win a title, and they got the piece that’s been hardest for them to find anywhere else.”

Tyler Kepner, Senior MLB Writer, The Athletic – Twins: A; Phillies B+

What they’re saying: “It’s hard to see the Twins regretting this deal. The Phillies might, in time, but they had no choice but to fix the bullpen, and Duran gives them a better chance to win a championship. That’s what matters most now.”

R.J. Anderson, CBS Sports MLB Writer – Phillies A, Twins B

What they’re saying: “Duran will ostensibly step into the ninth-inning role, giving the Phillies the kind of end-game cheat code they thought they had in suspended closer José Alvarado and hoped they were getting in free-agent signing Jordan Romano. Pair him with Orion Kerkering and Matt Strahm and you start to have the makings of a reliable high-leverage situation.”

Jesse Yomtov, USA Today MLB Writer – Phillies A, Twins C-

What they’re saying: “Dave Dombrowski seized on his opportunity to get 2½ years of one of the best relievers in baseball in exchange for just a pair of prospects. It’s a huge addition for the Phillies, with Duran presumably assuming the ninth-inning role and taking a ton of pressure off the club’s other high-leverage guys. Philadelphia has the 27-year-old flamethrower under team control through 2027.”

What they're saying: Grades on Phillies' trade for Jhoan Duran originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Phillies made their big-splash trade a full day before MLB’s trade deadline, sending two of their top prospects to Minnesota for Twins fireballing closer Jhoan Duran.

It’s difficult to find many fans who would disapprove of the trade, but to get full perspective on this, we cast our net wider, and pulled in the many writers across the interweb who have given out grades to the Phils and Twins for the swap.

Michael Rand, Minnesota Star Tribune – Twins B, Phillies B+

What they’re saying: “It will be easier to judge this in a few years, obviously, but the bottom line is the Twins got a reasonable haul even if they didn’t get a can’t-miss prospect and sold high on Duran even if you are squeamish about losing him.

“It’s a deal that benefits both teams for the stages they are at, but those two extra years of team control with Duran tip the scales a little more in the Phillies’ favor.”

Andy McCullough, Senior MLB Writer, The Athletic – Twins B, Phillies A

What they’re saying: “It’s an easy trade to like for both sides. The Phillies acquired possibly the best reliever on the market, and didn’t have to part with their best prospects. The Twins managed to get a big-league-ready pitcher with a decent floor and a catcher with potential. I guess the price was right.”

Chad Jennings, MLB Writer, The Athletic – Twins A-, Phillies A

What they’re saying: “Rather than trying to nickel and dime their way through quantity over quality, the Phillies went out and got the best shutdown closer on the market (one who’s under contract for two more seasons, just like Zack Wheeler). This is the Phillies’ window to win a title, and they got the piece that’s been hardest for them to find anywhere else.”

Tyler Kepner, Senior MLB Writer, The Athletic – Twins A; Phillies B+

What they’re saying: “It’s hard to see the Twins regretting this deal. The Phillies might, in time, but they had no choice but to fix the bullpen, and Duran gives them a better chance to win a championship. That’s what matters most now.”

R.J. Anderson, CBS Sports MLB Writer – Phillies A, Twins B

What they’re saying: “Duran will ostensibly step into the ninth-inning role, giving the Phillies the kind of end-game cheat code they thought they had in suspended closer José Alvarado and hoped they were getting in free-agent signing Jordan Romano. Pair him with Orion Kerkering and Matt Strahm and you start to have the makings of a reliable high-leverage situation.”

Jesse Yomtov, USA Today MLB Writer – Phillies A, Twins C-

What they’re saying: “Dave Dombrowski seized on his opportunity to get 2½ years of one of the best relievers in baseball in exchange for just a pair of prospects. It’s a huge addition for the Phillies, with Duran presumably assuming the ninth-inning role and taking a ton of pressure off the club’s other high-leverage guys. Philadelphia has the 27-year-old flamethrower under team control through 2027.”