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5 Major-league trade chips the Phillies can deal in 2022

By Gabrielle Starr

Sep 29, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Aaron Nola (27) walks to the dugout before their game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 29, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Aaron Nola (27) walks to the dugout before their game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Phillies Zach Eflin
Sep 8, 2020; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zach Eflin (56) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Phillies trade chip: RHP Zach Eflin

Being one of the prospects acquired in exchange for all-time franchise hits leader Jimmy Rollins is a lot of pressure, especially on top of, you know, being a major-league pitcher.

The Phillies acquired Zach Eflin after the 2014 season, and he debuted in June 2016. Over the last three seasons, Eflin has a 4.12 ERA over 61 games, including 56 starts, three games finished, and three complete games.

The 28-year-old righty will become a free agent for the first time after the 2022 season, and it’s hard to see the Phillies bringing him back. After being one of the Phillies’ most promising prospects (in an era when that actually meant something), numerous injuries and surgeries have kept him from truly thriving at the big-league level. The last thing the Phillies need is a hefty contract for an oft-injured player on their already-overblown payroll.

It’ll also be interesting to see how Eflin does now that Andrew Knapp is no longer with the team. Despite being the Phillies’ backup catcher to J.T. Realmuto, Knapp was Eflin’s preferred catcher.

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