Three starting pitchers Phillies could add at trade deadline

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.