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As the MLB offseason begins, the Philadelphia Phillies are assessing their roster to identify the improvements needed to advance further in the playoffs. After falling to the Atlanta Braves in the National League Wild Card Series, the Phillies are focused on strengthening their bullpen, with left-handed relief and overall depth among their priorities.
One potential target is Milwaukee Brewers closer Trevor Megill, who played a key role in the Brewers' 2026 World Series championship. The 32-year-old right-hander recorded 30 saves for the second straight year, converting 33 opportunities, and posted a 2.63 ERA over a career-high 61.2 innings in 63 appearances. He allowed just one home run, walked 15, and struck out a career-best 69 batters. His .181 opposing batting average, 0.892 WHIP, and 1.7 WAR were all personal bests, and he was named an All-Star in 2025.
Megill has also excelled in the postseason, owning a 1.65 ERA in 16 career playoff games with four walks, 23 strikeouts, and a .140 opposing batting average. In 2026, he saved all five of his postseason opportunities, pitching nine innings across eight appearances with a 2.00 ERA, a 1-0 record, two runs allowed on five hits, three walks, 11 strikeouts, and a .156 opposing average.
To acquire a pitcher of Megill's caliber, the Phillies would likely need to surrender talent. Reliever Jonathan Bowlan is a name that could be moved; he posted a 3.36 ERA in 59 appearances last season and has drawn interest from other teams, though Philadelphia is not eager to trade him. According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Phillies value Bowlan but might include him in a package for a more proven setup man. Gelb also noted that president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski often pursues big names for the bullpen, and if the Brewers entertain offers for Megill, who has one year of club control remaining, the two sides could match up.
Key Analysis
Improving the bullpen is critical for Philadelphia after the unit ranked 20th in the majors with a 4.43 ERA in 2026. The relievers struggled particularly in September (5.79 ERA) as the team went 10-14, and their woes continued in the NL Wild Card Series, where they allowed seven earned runs in 12.2 innings against Atlanta. Adding high-leverage arms like Megill would be a significant step toward a deeper postseason run in 2027.