Phillies trade rumors: Four rental options at the trade deadline
Phillies trade rumors continue to swirl despite them sitting in first place.
Through 50 games the Phillies are sitting atop the National League East in a strong position to win. They’re on pace with last year’s club with 29 wins in 50 games and two games ahead of the 2008 World Championship team at the same point, but that’s not stopping the Phillies trade rumors.
Despite their success and the addition of several All-Stars, there’s a lot of room to grow. Philadelphia has the seventh-fewest home runs in baseball (53) and their pitchers have given up the fifth-most hits (439).
While the starting staff has a 3.7 WAR, the second-best in baseball behind Washington, the hitter’s WAR is -1.5, 18th in the league.
Improvements can be made across the board for this team, starting with a bullpen that takes fans on a rollercoaster ride every night.
Will Smith
No, we’re not talking about the Fresh Prince/minority owner of the 76ers. We’re talking about one of baseball’s best relievers this year.
The Phillies relievers have been hot and cold this year, but overall their 0.6 WAR is the National League’s third-best entering late May. They’ve allowed 33 percent of inherited runners to score (slightly above league average) and they’ve blown five saves in a season that will require as many wins as necessary to clinch a tight division.
San Francisco Giants reliever Will Smith has quietly become one of baseball’s better relievers this year, converting 12 saves in as many opportunities with a 2.89 ERA. Opposing batters have hit just .172 this year off the lefty.
Smith’s success hasn’t just come this year, as he’s converted 26 of his last 29 save opportunities for San Francisco after missing all of 2017 with Tommy John surgery.
San Francisco is ready to rebuild and the Phillies could give up a couple of mid-level prospects to beef up the back of their bullpen with Smith.