In a shocking turn of events, the Philadelphia Phillies’ bullpen took a massive blow over the weekend when José Alvarado was suspended for 80 games following a failed performance-enhancing drug test. This suspension means Alvarado won’t be able to help the team during the crucial postseason, rendering him unavailable until early August.

Even before this setback, the Phillies were keenly aware of their need for improved relief pitching. According to sources, the team reached out to veteran free agent David Robertson well before the announcement about Alvarado's suspension. Although discussions were initiated, they did not gain significant traction at that time.

Now, with the situation having changed dramatically, the Phillies might decide to reopen negotiations with the former All-Star. At 40, Robertson shows no signs of retirement and seems unwilling to settle for a lowball contract. Reports indicate that he was hoping to secure a $10 million deal during the offseason, a reasonable figure for an elite setup man.

Robertson previously pitched for the Phillies in 2019 and 2022, boasting a commendable 3.30 ERA over those seasons. Last year, he emerged as a crucial high-leverage arm with the Texas Rangers, pitching a career-high 72 innings with a 3.00 ERA and striking out over 30% of batters faced, all while maintaining an impressive average cutter speed of 93.3 MPH. Despite the usual concerns about performance decline in players over 40, he demonstrated that he still has plenty to offer.

It is puzzling that Robertson wasn’t able to finalize an agreement earlier in the offseason. However, it’s important to note that securing a high-value deal midseason can be challenging as teams often have tight budgets—especially as the trade deadline approaches. With Alvarado's suspension, the Phillies save nearly $4 million on his contract, potentially creating some financial leeway, but it remains uncertain if Robertson is willing to negotiate down from his initial asking price.

As the trade deadline looms just over two months away, the Phillies are known for making bold moves, having acquired closer Carlos Estévez last year. While they may pursue similar strategies this July, they could face difficulties making significant trades in the weeks leading up to the deadline.

Other teams are also in play for trading arms. The Cardinals might look to move Ryan Helsley, but their recent strong performance has them contending for the NL Central. The Nationals are expected to deal Kyle Finnegan soon, although not in the immediate future. The struggling Orioles have several attractive options—like Félix Bautista and Keegan Akin—if they choose to listen to offers. While there are rebuilding teams with subpar bullpens, finding a viable trade target will be tricky.

With the clock ticking and the stakes higher than ever, all eyes will be on the Phillies and their potential decisions as the season progresses.