The Phillies, already linked to two bullpen arms from the Pirates, are now eyeing CF Oneil Cruz

Oneil Cruz to Philly? – Just one week out from the trade deadline and things are starting to heat up across Major League Baseball. The Phillies obviously have a few holes to fill outside of the bullpen and the latest update has them eyeing Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Oneil Cruz.

Oneil Cruz is only 26 years old and under team control through 2028, which instantly makes him one of the most interesting potential bats on the market.

His season stat line won’t blow you away. He’s slashing 219/.319/.419 with 14 doubles, 16 home runs, 40 RBIs, and an MLB-leading 33 stolen bases but the fact remains that Cruz is a freak-athlete and the toolbox is ridiculously intriguing.

Phillies trade rumors heating up

Source: The Phillies are one of the teams that’s trying to trade for Pirates CF Oneil Cruz. Philly has gotten terrible play in CF this year. And they are interested in seeing what Cruz could do in a lineup with Harper Schwarber and Turner. Good veteran influences. Stay tuned. pic.twitter.com/wLmSG02yrO

— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) July 24, 2025

Over his last 15 games, Oneil Cruz has posted a .269 average with a homer and five RBI. In his last seven games, he’s hitting .348 with three RBI. Point being, he’s better than his season average suggests and maybe a chain of scenery to the other side of PA will do the trick. 

MUST SEE: Oneil Cruz scores on AGGRESSIVE baserunning 😱 pic.twitter.com/27LNDiRRTB

— MLB (@MLB) July 22, 2025

As reporter John Villano put it:

“Cruz has the ability to push the envelope for a team, and he is just 26 years old. The Pittsburgh Pirates don’t want to be bad forever, and with Paul Skenes at the peak of his powers, some might argue the Bucs should keep Cruz, but they can turn Cruz into multiple pieces for the future. They might want to cash in now while his value is high.”

The Pirates Potential Fire Sale At The Deadline

While Oneil Cruz rumors are just starting to bubble, the Bednar/Santana noise has been loud for weeks — and it’s only getting louder.

According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the Pirates are open to listening on Cruz, while other reports have made it clear that relievers are definitely available. That includes both David Bednar and Dennis Santana, two arms that could completely reshape the back end of Philly’s bullpen.

Dennis Santana: The Bullpen Bargain of the Year

Dennis Santana has quietly been one of the best value relievers in baseball this season. The right-hander is rocking a 1.49 ERA, 0.80 WHIP, 34 strikeouts, and 5 saves over 42.1 innings in 42 appearances with the Pirates

That’s elite-level performance for a guy making just $1.4 million, under team control only through the 2025 season

David Bednar: Lights-Out Closer, Local Guy, Legit Weapon

David Bednar might just be the most coveted reliever still available this trade deadline. The 30-year-old Pittsburgh native has stabilized the Pirates’ back end in historic fashion, and his numbers speak for themselves:

• 2.31 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 48 strikeouts, 15 saves in 35 innings over 39 appearances

• His K/9 rate sits at 12.3, while limiting walks to a tidy 2.6 BB/9

• A career 2x All-Star (2022–23) and under contract only through 2025 at $5.9 million

The Phillies will almost certainly be buyers at the deadline. Between the rumors of adding Oneil Cruz and going hard after Bednar and Santana, thats now three players on the Pittsburgh Pirates they’ve been linked to, which could mean there’s a big trade coming.

Whether they pull off a blockbuster or make multiple, targeted upgrades, the Phillies will have a new-look next week but let’s hope there’s we finally get some actual fireworks at this years deadline.

Join The Chase