Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Bowden: Phillies, Pirates, Red Sox Must Upgrade Before Deadline

5/20/2026

50 11 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Jim Bowden, former MLB GM, flagged buyer and seller status before the Aug. 3, 2026 deadline.
He said the Phillies are buyers needing upgrades at third base and a left-handed reliever.
He noted the Pirates should add a middle-of-order bat and bolster bullpen depth.
He described the Red Sox ‘wait and see,’ needing a middle-of-order bat and third-base help.

History

Historical Context

The 1994–95 MLB strike halted the season and spurred the league to pursue new roster-management tools, paving the way for the 1995 July 31 trade deadline. That policy reflects MLB’s broader reform agenda, echoing earlier milestones such as the 1990 draft in which the Philadelphia Phillies selected catcher Michael Lieberthal third overall.

1 of 2

Story summary

Jim Bowden, former MLB GM, flagged buyer and seller status before the Aug. 3, 2026 deadline.
He said the Phillies are buyers needing upgrades at third base and a left-handed reliever.
He noted the Pirates should add a middle-of-order bat and bolster bullpen depth.
He described the Red Sox ‘wait and see,’ needing a middle-of-order bat and third-base help.

1 / 2