FanSided

Three starting pitchers Phillies could add at trade deadline

By Rocco Matarazzo |
Starter Mike Clevinger #52 of the Cleveland Indians (Photo by Ron Schwane/Getty Images)
Starter Mike Clevinger #52 of the Cleveland Indians (Photo by Ron Schwane/Getty Images)
1 of 4
Next

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.

Dylan Bundy #37 of the Los Angeles Angels (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Dylan Bundy #37 of the Los Angeles Angels (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Dylan Bundy, Los Angeles Angels

The Los Angeles Angels have been nothing short of a disappointment in 2020. Anthony Rendon was a huge addition in the offseason, while adding both Julio Teheran and Dylan Bundy to the rotation, the Angels have struggled under Joe Maddon. And even with Mike Trout, the Angels are 10-22. A bright spot among their team has been Bundy, however, who was acquired via trade in December 2019.

Bundy, 27-years old, was the 4th overall pick in the 2011 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut quickly thereafter at 19 years old for the Baltimore Orioles but got Tommy John Surgery the very next season. He struggled for the Orioles, giving up a league-leading 41 home runs in 2018, while compiling 30 losses between the 2018 and 2019 seasons.

A fresh change of scenery was seemingly all Bundy needed. In 2020, he has been very impressive. Pitching to a 2.58 earned run average in six starts, Bundy has struck out 44 batters in 38 and a third innings pitched. If acquired by the Phillies, he would rank first on the team in innings, earned run average, WHIP, and second in strikeouts.

The Angels are most likely going to be sellers, with rumors circulating about Bundy and fellow teammate David Fletcher. Arbitration eligible through next year, Bundy would not be a free agent until after 2021 season.

Bundy would be a very nice get for the Phillies, who could use a third starter of his caliber. The only worry is that Bundy never pitched to numbers like these over the course of a whole season, but that would only make his price tag a little bit cheaper. The Phils’ rival Atlanta Braves have been linked to Bundy as well.

Starter Mike Clevinger #52 of the Cleveland Indians (Photo by Ron Schwane/Getty Images)
Starter Mike Clevinger #52 of the Cleveland Indians (Photo by Ron Schwane/Getty Images) /

Mike Clevinger, Cleveland Indians

The Cleveland Indians have enjoyed incredible starting pitching throughout the 2020 season. At 19-12, they have a 99.8% chance to make 2020’s expanded postseason cut.

Shane Bieber has been unhittable all season, while Aaron Civale has built upon his strong 2019 campaign. 22-year old Triston McKenzie dazzled in his debut a few days ago, striking out 10 over six innings.

Along with those arms, they have Mike Clevinger and Zach Plesac, who also have had very good seasons. However, both pitchers broke team protocol surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic leaving them to be optioned to the team’s alternate training site. Disappointing their teammates, rumors have circulated about one of the two arms being dealt at this season’s deadline.

Plesac is only 25-years old and under team control through the 2025 season. Clevinger, on the other hand, will be 30 before the year ends, which is why he would probably be the one traded. He would cost a decent amount, but nothing overly expensive for the Phillies. At his age and due to his most recent actions, Cleveland could be quick to cut ties with the Jacksonville, Florida native.

Over the course of his career, Clevinger, one of the more underrated pitchers in baseball, boosts a 42-20 record with a 3.20 earned run average. A part of the Indians’ recent postseason runs, he also has valuable postseason experience.

It would be cool to see the Phillies add Clevinger at the deadline. A three-headed monster between Wheeler, Nola, and Clevinger would be among the best in baseball. Plus, all three would be with the team through at least 2022— a solid championship window.

Starting pitcher Danny Duffy #41 of the Kansas City Royals (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Starting pitcher Danny Duffy #41 of the Kansas City Royals (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Danny Duffy, Kansas City Royals

The Royals are most likely going to be sellers as well. Not in the thick of the playoff race, and in the middle of their rebuild, they could trade some solid players come August 31st.

Danny Duffy, a left-hander, could be on the move within the next few days, and a name the Phillies should keep an eye on. Through six starts in 2020, Duffy owns a 3.99 earned run average with a  strong 10.4 Ks/9 ratio. He has been consistent over his career, starting at least 23 games each year since 2014, with bullpen experience.

The Royals also have a few bullpen arms likely to get dealt before the deadline. Trevor Rosenthal has generated significant buzz throughout the league while former Closing pitcher Greg Holland has had a successful bounce-back season.

The Phillies have been linked to the Royals before, mainly on All-Star Whit Merrifield, ever since last trade deadline and even the offseason. But, who’s to say they won’t acquire a mid-tier starter like Duffy? Duffy, like Bundy and Clevinger, would give the Phillies a legitimate and dependable third option behind Wheeler and Nola.

Of the names on this list, Mike Clevinger is probably the one who won’t be traded. Bundy is gaining interest from multiple teams, so I think it’s very likely he gets dealt. As for Duffy, there aren’t really any rumors about him, but he fits the bill to be traded — a starting pitcher on a rebuilding team having a successful season.

If the Phillies were to add another arm, it would obviously take them a step further. Another bullpen piece would be nice, but I think a third surefire starter could put them over the top.

Next
Home / Phillies News

Schedule