Here we are again, it’s summer, and the MLB trade deadline is approaching on Monday, August 3rd at 6:00 p.m. EST, and once again, the Philadelphia Phillies look to add onto their roster to make a deep playoff run.
The Phillies currently sit at 45-36 on the season while being in 2nd in the NL East, just four games behind the Braves for first. They also currently hold the second wildcard spot despite starting the season 9-19. After firing Rob Thomson, the Phillies promoted bench coach Don Mattingly to manager. Ever since that change, the Phillies are 35-17 under Mattingly, and since April 28th, the Phillies are second for the best record in the MLB, behind the Milwaukee Brewers for first at 35-17.
It seems to be a pattern now for the past couple of seasons, but Philadelphia once again is looking for a right-handed power outfielder bat, a back-end rotation starter since Andrew Painter was sent down and Taijuan Walker was DFA’d, and a bullpen arm to create a 1-2 punch of someone and Jhoan Duran.
Here are players that may be on the move that Dave Dombrowski and the Phillies should target to address their trade deadline needs.
*stats below as of 6/23
Top Phillies Trade Deadline Targets
OF Jo Adell – Los Angeles Angels
Jo Adell from the Los Angeles Angels has been rumored to have the Phillies’ interest for the past two years. Adell, this season for the Angels, is slashing .248/.291/.387 with 10 home runs, 41 RBI, and a .678 OPS. Adell famously robbed three home runs in a game this season, displaying his gold glove nominee defense. Adell is a right-handed hitter who has sneaky pop and could give the Phillies outfield a boost with Adolis Garcia out for the season. Owner of the Angels Arte Moreno claimed that the Angels will “plan” to retain their key players, especially Adell, since teams would still have team-control on him.
In my opinion, I believe the Angels management is playing hooky. I don’t find it smart or realistic in the Angels organization to keep “key players” when the Angels aren’t remotely close to a playoff-ready team. It seems like the ownership is treating Adell and etc like an Aaron Judge or an Ohtani, when in reality, if a team offers something they can’t refuse, I would think the Angels would take it. Adell’s energy and how he plays would mesh well with this Phillies team.
OF Taylor Ward – Baltimore Orioles
Taylor Ward from the Baltimore Orioles has also been rumored to the Phillies for a long time. The former Angel was dealt to the Orioles this past offseason to help turn around the Orioles’ offensive production, but like the Angels, the Orioles don’t look like a playoff team and desperately need pitching.
Ward has been known for his power, and the Phillies would for sure benefit from that. Ward’s power numbers this season haven’t been what they normally are, only hitting five home runs this season, but he is still slashing .258/.393/.366 with 22 RBI and an OPS of .759. Ward’s plate discipline is also valuable while being a right-handed batter. Ward has been walked 64 times this season, making him third in the league for most. Ward could add a spark to the Phillies’ lineup and give more protection to Bryce Harper.
OF Seiya Suzuki – Chicago Cubs
Seiya Suzuki from the Chicago Cubs is an interesting one. Despite having knee problems and an expiring contract, Suzuki may be on the move. Finding the gold has been a right-handed bat for the Phillies, and once again, here’s another one. Suzuki, who’s slashing .269/.358/.445 with 10 home runs, 31 RBI, and an OPS of .803. A dude who gets on base and has some pop would make the Phillies an almost great team.
Now, the Cubs are in a playoff position and currently hold a wildcard spot, so it may be more unlikely to trade Suzuki, knowing Chicago is in a playoff position and would probably buy instead of sell. That could all change if the Cubs go on a massive losing streak and make ownership think about getting prospects now before Suzuki hits the market. But, the Phillies have for sure shown interest and will continue to keep an ear open on availability like Adell and Ward.
Utility Casey Schmitt – San Francisco Giants
This one is one of my favorites. The San Francisco Giants this season have been extremely underwhelming and, once again, look to be sellers at the deadline. The Giants made it known that Robbie Ray, Luis Arraez, and Matt Chapman are available to be traded, which tells me they are fielding offers on Casey Schmitt. Schmitt, this season, has been extremely underrated. This season, Schmitt is slashing .296/.324/.531 with 16 home runs, 42 RBI, and an OPS of .855.
The best of this is that he is indeed a right-handed hitter who could immediately change the Phillies lineup. Schmitt may be more expensive compared to Suzuki, Ward, and Adell since Schmitt can play anywhere on the field and is continuing to stay consistent offensively, but I seriously think the Phillies should immediately attack this chance and at least entertain an offer on Schmitt.
OF Wilyer Abreu – Boston Red Sox
Wilyer Abreu from the Boston Red Sox has been really well for Boston since making his debut. The former two-time Gold Glove could potentially strike the Phillies as a player they can try to mesh their lineup with. Abreu is slashing .276/.340/.434 with 9 home runs and 36 RBI with an OPS of .774. Pretty good numbers offensively and amazing defense. The only downside to this is that Abreu is a left-handed hitter. The Phillies are known to be an extremely heavy left-handed team.
The reason why Abreu could be a true match for the Phillies is that he’s hitting well over .300 vs left-handed pitchers. The Phillies’ batting average against lefties this season is .216. Having someone like Abreu who can hit well against lefties could maybe, and just maybe, create chaos for the pitcher and make them make mistakes against Phillies hitters like Brandon Marsh, Kyle Schwarber, and Harper to take advantage of.
As I mentioned before, Andrew Painter’s start has NOT been ideal for the Phillies, which has led them to investigate another starter.
RHP Joe Ryan – Minnesota Twins
It’s no secret that the Twins have been open to moving to Joe Ryan, and recently, it was confirmed for their rebuild that they would like to move Ryan. According to Dave Dombrowski, the Phillies “actively” have something up their “sleeve” about a starter.
Well, it was confirmed that the Twins will do their best to trade Ryan. No doubt Ryan would improve the Phillies’ starting rotation. Ryan this season is 5-3 with an ERA of 2.99, with 99 strikeouts and a 1.00 WHIP in 16 games where he pitched for 87.1 innings. It’s no secret that the Phillies are familiar with the Twins. Last season, the Phillies acquired Duran and Harrison Bader from Minnesota. Ryan could be next on the list to be traded to the Phillies.
RHP Michael Wacha – Kansas City Royals
Another RHP could be headed to the Phillies. Michael Wacha from Kansas City may be on the run depending on the offer. The Royals are way below .500, and Wacha has put together a pretty decent season at age 34. Wacha in 16 games is 5-5 with a 3.48 ERA, 77 strikeouts, and a WHIP of 1.16 in 101 innings pitched. Wacha would be a true back-end starter for the Phillies, slotting behind Jesus Luzardo. Wacha could be like a Spencer Turnbull for the Phillies if all goes well.
RHP Jose Soriano – Los Angeles Angels
Jose Soriano has been quite the name this season. Soriano has been one of the best starting pitchers in the American League this season with a win-and-loss ratio of 8-4 with a 3.03 ERA, 98 strikeouts, and a WHIP of 1.27 in 92 innings pitched. Extremely underrated for the Angels this season. Like Adell, the Angels’ ownership does not want to trade Soriano and would rather retain him. Again, these guys aren’t Judge’s or Ohtani’s. I truly believe if the right offer is there, the Angels would take it since they are rebuilding, but of course, you’ll truly never know what happens.
But, like Ryan, Soriano would be a huge upgrade to this Phillies starting rotation and make them very, very threatening. I still think pitching isn’t the specific and main problem, and it’s mainly the hitting, but the Phillies, from what I was told, do want to add another starter to their rotation.
With Brad Keller injured and ultimately not living up to his newly signed deal with the Phillies, the Phillies are forced to dive into the bullpen market. The bullpen has been definitely shaky for Philadelphia this season, and the Phillies will look to improve.
LHP Aroldis Chapman – Boston Red Sox
It’s no surprise Aroldis Chapman is listed here. Chapman, the future Hall of Famer, is once again having a dominant season. Boston is obviously selling at the deadline due to not meeting expectations. The Phillies have been linked to Chapman, and Chapman personally wants out of Boston to try to win a World Series before retiring.
Chapman, this season, has an ERA of 2.08 with 29 strikeouts and a 1.15 WHIP in 21.2 innings pitched. Chapman also has 14 saves on the season, and the Phillies would LOVE to pair up Duran with him. The belief would be that Chapman would be the setup man and Duran would close it out. That would be absolutely disgusting for teams to face, and Dave Dombrowski is no stranger to big star players.
There have been other reports stating Byron Buxton and Christian Walker. To clear those up, Buxton does NOT want to leave Minnesota and would like to retire there. He has no interest in waving his no-trade clause. Christian Walker is an interesting one, but the Houston Astros have told teams to basically not try since they would like to keep him. I also think the Phillies wouldn’t make a formal offer for Walker since he’s a first baseman.
Yes, it was said that Harper would be willing to move back to RF if the Phillies got a right-handed first baseman, but people need to remember that Harper moved to first base to prolong his career. The Phillies’ management doesn’t want to take the risk of Harper tearing another elbow ligament. Plus, Harper has been a Gold Glove finalist at first base.
What do you think the Phillies will do at the trade deadline?
Main Image: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
