Report: Phillies are interested in reunion with left-handed reliever from 2018

According to Jon Heyman, the Philadelphia Phillies have expressed interest in left-handed reliever Aaron Loup. Does that name sound familiar? Probably not, but he was a member of The Phillies’ bullpen in 2018 under Gabe Kapler. 

Mets and Phillies are among many teams talking to Aaron Loup. Unique lefty had monster year in Queens, posting 0.95 ERA. Could be one of the better players to go quick.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 11, 2021

Matt Klentak acquired Loup from the Toronto Blue Jays in July 2018, but the reliever failed to impress anyone during the few months he was in red pinstripes. Loup pitched just nine games for the Phillies and posted an unimpressive 4.50 ERA. 

Loup has been trending upwards over the last two seasons. Since the start of 2020, he has posted a 1.43 ERA and a 2.87 FIP in 89 games. The addition of Loup would be a nice start in rebuilding a competitive bullpen. A few weeks ago, The Phillies signed Ryan Sheriff from Tampa Bay to join the bullpen. The addition of Loup would be the third left-handed reliever on The Phillies (Alvarado, Sherrif). 

Aaron Loup with the New York Mets in 2021

Last year, the 34 year old had an impressive 2021 campaign, in which he allowed just 37 hits over 56.2 IP and a 57/16 K:BB across 65 appearances with the New York Mets.

1.40 FIP for Aaron Loup this season, better than any lefty in the majors not named Josh Hader pic.twitter.com/2y5Lkt0pM8

— Nick Pollack (@PitcherList) July 6, 2021

The Phillies still need to find a legitimate closer. Ian Kennedy didn’t provide any type of security at the trade deadline. There are some big names that will be on the market this offseason, including Craig Kimbrel and free agent Kenley Jansen. 

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY SPORTS