The Phillies are sporting a -12 run differential on the year, they might represent the most practical hazard to the Mets division lead in the National League East. The Braves understand theyll be without their most significant star, and despite having the finest run differential in the division right now at +26, its difficult to consider Atlanta as a practical danger without Ronald Acuna Jr.
That leaves the Phillies. Though theyre precisely.500 at 48-48, that leaves them right where theyve been for the majority of the Bryce Harper era. This group didnt re-sign J.T. Realmuto and hire Dave Dombrowski to run the front office just to stand pat. Not only are rival executives anticipating the Phillies to be aggressive this trade due date, however they believe the Phillies will be prepared to surpass the luxury tax, if thats what it takes to find the right upgrades, per Jon Heyman of the MLB Network (through Twitter).
When it comes to what the Phillies might be pursuing, there are lots of avenues to improve the lineup. Heyman recommends they could utilize a starter, several reducers and a centerfielder. Alec Bohm has actually not been proficient at 3rd base (-0.1 fWAR), but theyre not close to carrying on from the 25-year-old former top prospect.
The bullpens imperfections have been thoroughly kept in mind, and it now appears a near certainty that theyll include at least one bullpen arm. The question is whether theyll shell out for a premium arm like the Cubs Craig Kimbrel, or if theyll target more affordable choices like the Pirates Richard Rodriguez or Ian Kennedy of the Rangers.
They could aim even lower and store in the non-premium area of opposing bullpens where there are plenty of feasible choices for the right cost: the Cubs Ryan Tepera and Andrew Chafin, the Twins Caleb Thielbar and Tyler Duffey, or Anthony Bass, Dylan Floro, and Yimi Garcia of the Marlins are a few names worth signing in on.That stated, if theres any team that might try to find a fire-tested closer to take the reins, Philly would be it.
In center, Starling Marte would be the apparent target, though its unclear how prepared the Marlins are to move him within the department– nor is it clear if the Phillies have what Miami GM Kim Ng desires in a return bundle. For starters, the Marlins are looking for a long-lasting replacement for Marte in center, per Craig Mish of the Mishes and swings podcast. Thats going to slow trade conversations, as the majority of teams will balk at moving a younger, more affordable choice in center, particularly if the Marlins are prioritizing near ML-ready prospects.
The Phillies do have some centerfield prospects they might hang, such as Simon Muzziotti, their 10th-ranked possibility by Fangraphs, Mickey Moniak, their 8th-ranked possibility, or Johan Rojas, their 4th-ranked prospect. Of the 3, Muzziotti most likely comes closest to beginning the discussion for Marte.
None of the three are blue-chippers, nevertheless, and just Moniak has advanced beyond High-A. Moniak, of course, was the previous No. 1 overall draft pick, however hes dropped prospect charts since his selection in the 2016 draft. Baseball America calls him “a 4th or 5th outfielder,” and he wouldnt likely be considered as a focal point in a Marte offer.
Without a lots of choices on the marketplace, Philly may require to stick with their internal options.Odubel Herrera has made a worthy return to action after missing out on all of 2020, but hes rocking simply an 86 wRC+. Travis Jankowskis been a revelation through 68 plate appearances, though the 30-year-old was a 76 wRC+ player through 994 plate looks prior to this season. The reality stays that exterior of Marte, there arent a lots of offered centerfielders on the market.
The Phillies might have a simpler time upgrading their pitching personnel, particularly given the low bar. Beyond the bullpen, Philadelphia requires more for the rotation, though Dombrowski hasnt precisely been successful in that regard so far, composes Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Offseason additions Matt Moore and Chase Anderson have actually posted -0.1 fWAR each while making a combined $7MM.
Still, they might possibly discover upgrades for 60 percent of the rotation, given the uncertain track records of Vince Velasquez and rookie Spencer Howard. Its not likely theyll discover 3 starters, however its likewise tough to factor Dombrowski coming away from the trade deadline without any brand-new arms in the rotation.
Cole Hamels has actually been a popular name of late, and it would definitely be fun to see the 37-year-old back in a Phillies uniform. He also includes the included benefit of not costing potential customers. Hamels alone will not be enough, however theres very little threat in seeing if he can upgrade Moores area in the rotation.

The Phillies are sporting a -12 run differential on the year, they may represent the most feasible danger to the Mets division lead in the National League East. Not only are rival executives expecting the Phillies to be aggressive this trade deadline, however they believe the Phillies will be prepared to exceed the luxury tax, if thats what it takes to find the right upgrades, per Jon Heyman of the MLB Network (by means of Twitter).
As for what the Phillies might be pursuing, there are plenty of opportunities to enhance the lineup. The Phillies might have a much easier time updating their pitching personnel, particularly offered the low bar. Cole Hamels has been a popular name of late, and it would certainly be fun to see the 37-year-old back in a Phillies uniform.