MLB Rumors: Phillies, Red Sox Engaged In Brandon Workman, Heath Hembree Trade Talks

The Phillies need help in the bullpen, and the Red Sox have plenty of fascinating relievers

The Philadelphia Phillies need bullpen help, and it appears they’re going to one of their recent opponents in search of it.

Philly reportedly is engaged in trade talks with the Red Sox involving Boston relievers Brandon Workman and Heath Hembree, according to multiple reports.

Also: Phillies have spoken with Red Sox about Brandon Workman, sources tell me and @MattGelb. https://t.co/GDhDSS1gzJ
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 21, 2020

The Phillies are in active talks with Red Sox to acquire closer Brandon Workman. Not final. But I hear multiple players are involved in proposed deal.
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) August 21, 2020

In addition to Brandon Workman, the Phillies have expressed interest in Red Sox reliever Heath Hembree, according to sources with direct knowledge. It’s unclear if both would be headed to Philly in a potential deal.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) August 21, 2020

The #Phillies have been talking to the Red Sox about RHP Brandon Workman. Also hearing RHP Heath Hembree has been discussed in a potential Phillies-Red Sox deal. Phillies need more bullpen help.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) August 21, 2020

Workman had a career year in 2019 and became the Red Sox’s closer in 2020, though poor results for Boston have resulted in the righty being used sparingly.

Hembree, meanwhile, has become proficient at entering games with runners on and dancing out of jams, although he was on the mound for Boston’s meltdown sixth inning against the Phillies on Tuesday.

The Phillies are in win-now mode, but are off to just a 9-12 start. However they trail the Atlanta Braves by just three games for the division lead.