Breaking: The Phillies signs Rays star player in a blockbuster deal.

The Phillies are still in the thick of things even after the MLB trade deadline passed on July 30. It is still possible for teams to make moves after the trade deadline.

Players can still be traded as long as they haven’t been on the 40-man roster for the current season, in case you’re wondering how.

The Phillies acquired right-handed pitcher Nelson L. Alvarez Nelson L. Alvarez from the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday for financial considerations, as reported by Phillies Tailgate on X (previously Twitter). He’ll be joining the Reading Fightin Phils in Double-A.

Alvarez, 26, was selected by the New York Yankees in the 13th round of the 2019 draft. Before the Rays claimed him off waivers following the 2022 season, he spent three seasons in the Yankees’ development system.

He made 27 appearances in 27 games between the Double- and Triple-A levels of the Rays this season. With a 4.33 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and 38 strikeouts in 35 1/3 innings, he had a 2-1 record.

Alvarez’s lack of control has been his greatest flaw. He has given out 22 walks this year with a 5.60 BB/9. Throughout his 16 innings in Triple-A, he walked 15 batters with an 8.44 BB/9 despite having severe control issues.

The Miami native was placed on the Development List by the Rays on August 1st, as his MiLB transactions page shows, following 13 outings at Double-A with the Montgomery Biscuits, where he struggled to a 5.19 ERA.

Alvarez has a two-pitch combination consisting of a slider and a fastball. His fastball, which clocked in at 94–97 mph while he was with the Yankees, was predicted by FanGraphs’ 2021 prospect scouting report to grade as an above-average offering.

Over the course of his five minor league seasons, Alvarez has made 152 bullpen appearances, recording a 5.04 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, and 248 strikeouts in 203 2/3 innings. Despite having 10 minor league saves in his career and 19 holds, he was 0 for 2 in save opportunities this season with the Biscuits.