Phillies Reportedly Targeting Pirates' Dennis Santana, David Bednar amid Trade Rumors

Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski isn't going to let a trade deadline go by without at least being connected to deals that will improve his team's chances for a potential playoff run.

Per Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Phillies have made inquiries with the Pittsburgh Pirates about relievers Dennis Santana and David Bednar.

It's unclear if Dombrowski would attempt to acquire both players before the July 31 deadline. Hiles noted Santana is the player that primarily interests the Phillies, but there has recently been a "notable uptick" in how much they like Bednar.

The Phillies are certainly in a position where they can integrate two relievers into the back of their bullpen. Jordan Romano, Matt Strahm, Carlos Hernández and Tanner Banks have all finished at least 10 games this season. Romano, who leads the team with eight saves, has a 7.04 ERA in 34 appearances.

Santana and Bednar are regarded as two of the most likely players to be moved ahead of the trade deadline. One general manager told The Athletic's Jim Bowden they are both "all but gone" from the Pirates, and they "could be packaged together."

It would certainly be to the Pirates' benefit to trade Santana and Bednar together because they could ask for a better return package. Both players would also have a lot of value to an acquiring club since they are under team control through 2026.

Santana and Bednar have been two bright spots in a very disappointing season for the Pirates. Santana has a 1.46 ERA over 37 innings. Bednar's ERA is down to 2.73 with no earned runs allowed in his last 15 innings dating back to May 24.

The Phillies (51-37) are locked in a battle with the New York Mets (51-38) for the top spot in the NL East. They hold a slim lead entering play on Saturday, with the two teams having seven head-to-head matchups remaining in the regular season.