The Philadelphia Phillies are well aware that they need to add at least one bullpen arm in the coming weeks if they hope to stay in contention for the NL East crown.
President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski and manager Rob Thomson are expected to explore a range of options, with many anticipating the team will again target a short-term rental at the deadline—similar to their approach last season. According to The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Scott Lauber, one possible trade partner could be the Boston Red Sox, with a proposal that includes left-handed reliever Aroldis Chapman and outfielder Rob Refsnyder heading to Philadelphia.
Lauber suggests that Chapman alone could return a mid-tier prospect, but Boston’s surplus in the outfield may allow them to package players and increase their asking price.
While Jarren Duran is Boston’s top trade chip in the outfield, his regression since a breakout 2024 campaign could make Rob Refsnyder a better fit for Philadelphia. Refsnyder hits from the right side and has excelled against left-handed pitching (.569 SLG, .972 OPS), and he also has a connection to Thomson from their time with the Yankees.
Proposed Trade:
- Phillies receive: LHP Aroldis Chapman, OF Rob Refsnyder
- Red Sox receive: RHP Mick Abel
From Boston’s perspective, this deal would be a huge win—netting a talented young pitcher in Abel for two players on expiring contracts. Even if the Red Sox stay competitive, this kind of move would benefit their short- and long-term roster construction.
For the Phillies, however, giving up Abel—especially with Andrew Painter’s health still uncertain—would be a steep price. The only way this deal might be justifiable is if the Phillies could lock Chapman into a multi-year extension before the offseason begins.
While deadline overpays are common, this particular proposal feels like too much of a gamble for Philadelphia.