3 realistic top trade targets for Phillies to upgrade outfield at deadline

In 2022, the Philadelphia Phillies made it all the way to the World Series, but lost to the Houston Astros in six games. They lost a seven-game battle to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2023 NLCS. There isn't much to be said about their NLDS performance in 2024. In 2025, it is do or die.

Many believe that after years of coming close, this has to be the season the Phillies get the job done and bring home a championship. They've brought in names like Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber and Zack Wheeler to join Bryce Harper in the pursuit of a title returning to Philadelphia. However, they have fallen short — for one reason or another — every time.

As the trade deadline approaches in 2025, the Phillies realize disaster can strike at any time. Their need for an outfielder (specifically a center fielder) dates back to before the above playoff runs began. That is the position everyone has an eye on the Phillies making a move for to make a run at the Commissioner's Trophy.

3 realistic top trade targets for Phillies to upgrade outfield at deadline

The Athletic has accumulated their second version of the big board (subscription required), looking at the top 40 trade candidates available. While it may be far fetched to believe the Boston Red Sox will deal Jarren Duran or the Minnesota Twins strike a deal for Byron Buxton, the Phillies do have legitimate options they can add to complement their roster and be real contenders in the National League.

Cedric Mullins, BAL

In 2024, the Phillies were rumored to be talking to the Baltimore Orioles about trading for Cedric Mullins at the deadline. Instead, it was Austin Hays who moved from Baltimore to Philadelphia. Now, with the Orioles close to being out of the race, it is believed Mullins will actually be on the move.

In a contract year, Mullins is far from what he was as an All-Star and MVP candidate in 2021. He has just 26 extra-base hits and a negative bWAR rating. It's not been what is expected from Mullins, but the Orioles have also underwhelmed in their performance as a whole in 2025. In one of the most competitive divisions in baseball, the hole they've dug themselves into is already insurmountable — certainly too large to consider buying or staying as is.

Perhaps a change in scenery would do Mullins some good. Competing for a contending team might help boost his offensive production, too. This is a move the Phillies could make that could upgrade their production in center field. On the other side, the Orioles could obtain something for Mullins before he potentially walks in free agency anyway.

Taylor Ward, LAA

It seems like in every season as of late, the Los Angeles Angels dangle Taylor Ward's name out in trade conversations with other teams, but a deal never gets done for him. He has stayed put in all eight years of his career. This trade deadline, however, things could be different for the 31-year-old.

Ward has already blasted a team-leading 20 home runs before the All-Star break. Statistically speaking, he's also even more dangerous outside of Angel Stadium than he is hitting inside his home park. There are only a small handful of ballparks further away from Los Angeles than Philadelphia.

Ward's power can spray all over the park, and the Phillies have a desperate need for power from the right side of the plate. If his dramatic increase in OPS can translate to hitting at Citizens Bank Park for half of the season's remaining at-bats, the Phillies could snag an absolute steal at the deadline and catapult their way to the top of the National League when it's all said and done. To sweeten the deal, this is more than just a rental. Ward is under team control through the 2026 season.

Harrison Bader, MIN

The Twins were projected to be a team that could give the Detroit Tigers a run for their money in the American League Central. After a tumultuous start, instead, we have crossed the halfway point and the Twins are nowhere close to sniffing a division title. They're not completely out of contention, but they will have to decide soon what will be best for the organization moving forward.

Though he is not having a terrible season by any means, Harrison Bader has a mutual option for $10 million at the end of the 2025 season. It's hard to believe the Twins would be on board picking up their side of the option. Instead of holding onto him in what is looking likely to be a lost season, a trade out of Minnesota at the deadline seems most appropriate for Bader.

The Phillies need help in center field and Bader can give them what they need. His defense is among the top of the list in baseball and he can still be dangerous at the plate. Plus, he's still a threat on the bases at age 31. If all those click after a move to Philadelphia, it can go down as one of the better moves at the deadline.

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