Phillies, Mets Reportedly Are 'Very Aggressive' In Trade Market Ahead of 2025 Deadline

The Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets are expected to take a "very aggressive" approach to Thursday's MLB trade deadline, Jeff Passan reported Wednesday for ESPN.

For both the Phillies and the Mets, that could potentially involve a push for St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley.

The Athletic's Tim Britton and Will Sammon recently reported that the Mets have "some interest" in the relief pitcher, in part because the club is considering using a five-man rotation through a busy August that will require a well-stocked bullpen.

The Phillies have similarly decided to "prioritize a higher-end bullpen addition" ahead of the deadline, according to The Athletic's Matt Gelb.

The Mets or Phillies would need to outbid other prospective suitors for Helsey in order to acquire his expiring deal from the Cardinals, however. MLB.com's Mark Feinsand has also named the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers and Toronto Blue Jays as prospective suitors for the closer.

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns also said last week that he plans to be involved if any rotation players who could "raise the ceiling" are made available at the deadline.

One trade candidate who might fit that description is Miami Marlins starter Sandy Alcantara, who has struggled so far this season but on whom the Mets have already "checked in," according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.

Alcantara has marked a career-high 6.66 ERA since his return from Tommy John surgery, but MLB.com's Anthony DiComo recently reported that "rival evaluators believe Alcantara’s stuff is as crisp as ever, and that he could benefit greatly from a few usage and approach tweaks."

The Phillies could meanwhile be looking for some offense in addition to bullpen help before the trade window closes on Thursday.

Philadelphia has previously been connected to Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suárez, especially since losing everyday third baseman Alec Bohm to a fractured rib.

The Dbacks are reportedly seeking an "astronomical" return for Suárez, per MLB.com's Daniel Kramer. The Phillies will need to decide if that price, and potentially pushing Bohm out of his spot at third base, would be worth adding a slugger who might help the club put up more consistent offense down the stretch.

Any moves by the Phillies or Mets would need to take place before the trade window closes on Thursday at 6 p.m. ET.