Three starting pitchers Phillies could add at trade deadline

With the trade deadline only three days away and the Phillies hanging in the balance, will they add more pitching?

The Phillies are currently 12-14, sitting in third place in the National League East and the eighth and final National League playoff spot. Riding a three-game winning streak, their bats have proven to be among the best in baseball. Entering Thursday, before their postponed game against the Washington Nationals, the Phils ranked second in on-base percentage and strikeouts, and third in batting average.

Phillies pitching, however, has faltered. Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler are the only two consistencies the Phillies have out of starters, both of whom are mostly turning in great performances each time out.

Despite starting the year off strong, Jake Arrieta has gone back to the Arrieta we are all used to — inconsistent and often erratic. Zach Eflin, after baffling Yankees hitters in his 2020 debut and striking out 10 against Baltimore, has given up seven runs and walked six batters over his last 9 1/3 innings. Rookie Spencer Howard has flashed some potential but is not dependable just yet.

Everyone knows the story about the bullpen. It has been historically bad, leading last week to a trade with the New York Yankees, as well as with the Boston Red Sox, highlighted here.

In a crazy 60-game season, and massive uncertainty surrounding this year’s trade deadline, will the Phillies make another move to bolster their pitching staff? Names have been thrown around by multiple insiders; many teams have been mentioned as sellers, such as the Los Angeles Angels, Seattle Mariners, and Pittsburgh Pirates. The Red Sox, whom the Phillies already completed a deal with, are likely to make a few more moves as the deadline approaches.

The Toronto Blue Jays just acquired starting pitcher Taijuan Walker from the Seattle Mariners — a pitcher who the Phillies could have traded for themselves. With one likely trade candidate already off the market, here are three pitchers the Phillies could target at the deadline.