Phillies Pull off Unexpected Trade Just Before MLB Trade Deadline

The Philadelphia Phillies have certainly been busy in the waning hours before the MLB trade deadline, acquiring second baseman Luis Arraez as well as relief pitchers Caleb Kilian and Brooks Raley earlier on Monday.

Now, with 6 p.m. cutoff just about to arrive, the Phillies have swung another deal.

Todd Zolecki of MLB.com has reported that Philadelphia has acquired minor-league right-hander Manuel Colon and cash considerations from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for fellow righty Nolan Hoffman, who the Phillies had previously designated for assignment.

Colon is just 19 years old and debuted as a reliever in the Royals' system in 2024. He made eight appearances that season, logging an 8.49 ERA and alarming 1.971 WHIP.

The Dominican native was much more effective in Rookie Ball last season, logging a minuscule 1.26 ERA while racking up 35 strikeouts over 28.1 innings of work. He tallied an impressive 0.872 WHIP and posted a very nice 2.2 BB/9.

Things have definitely taken a turn for the worse for Colon in 2026.

Colon made 22 relief appearances this year in Kansas City's organization before being dealt, pitching to the tune of a 5.83 ERA and 1.534 WHIP. The strikeouts are still there, as he owns an 11.4 K/9, but he has been battered for 33 hits across 29.1 frames.

It should also be noted that the Royals had promoted Colon to Single-A shortly before trading him to Philadelphia.

Obviously, this is a move for the future for the Phillies, who certainly won't be adding a teenager to their bullpen this season.

Overall, it has been an effective deadline for Philadelphia.

It added a much-needed bat in Arraez, and it fortified its bullpen by landing a pair of relievers. Yes, the Phillies could still afford to bring in another starting pitcher, but perhaps they feel Andrew Painter can stabilize the back end of the rotation.

Philadelphia had lost eight of nine before winning two straight against the Baltimore Orioles over the weekend. It is clinging to a Wild Card spot in the NL as it prepares to face the Washington Nationals on Monday evening.