3 Players Phillies Should Acquire from Struggling D-backs
By Matt Rappa
The Philadelphia Phillies season has had its ups and downs to say the least, yet it hasn’t come close to the struggles the Arizona Diamondbacks are facing out in the National League West.
The D-backs’ 10-3 loss on Thursday opposite Gabe Kapler and the first-place San Francisco Giants — the Phillies’ opponent this weekend — secured them an MLB all-time record of 23 consecutive road losses.
“With that, the D-backs have been downgraded to the F-backs,” 98.7 Arizona Sports’ Sarah Kezele joked on Twitter.
The D-backs have the worst record in MLB (20-50) and are 18 1/2 games back from the second National League Wild Card spot. Their season is essentially over before July, which means Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski should examine their roster for potential trade targets.
Here are three players the Phillies should try to acquire from the National League West club.
1. Joakim Soria
A two-time All-Star and 14-year veteran, Joakim Soria has not had great success as a D-back in 2021. Through 16 appearances, he has surrendered 19 hits, 10 runs (all earned), and five walks, only striking out 13 batters over 15 total innings.
While these numbers appear to be less than ideal, Soria is just one season removed from posting a 2.82 ERA in 22 appearances with the Oakland Athletics. The Mexico native’s best season came in 2010 with the Kansas City Royals, when he posted a 1.78 ERA and 71-16 strikeouts-to-walks ratio across 66 appearances, all the while recording 43 saves in 46 opportunities.
The Phillies could always use another veteran reliever, especially one who has postseason experience.