The Philadelphia Phillies are one move away from being a potential World Series threat. The front end of the starting rotation might be comprised of the best trio in Major League Baseball. Cristopher Sánchez, Zack Wheeler, and Jesús Luzardo have been central to Philadelphia's recent success, which (surprisingly?) puts them 2.5 games back of the Braves entering July.
But once we get through those three arms, it is a nose-dive plummet into the Delaware River. We may never see a good Aaron Nola start again. Andrew Painter was supposed to be the franchise's savior of the staff, but he is clearly not ready to compete in the big leagues right now. The duality of the Phillies' rotation is not only disappointing. It's straight up night and day.
The Phillies own a 34-13 (.723) record when Sánchez, Wheeler, and Luzardo pitch this season. When anyone else starts, the Phils are 14-25 (.359).
It's understood that the bottom of an MLB team's rotation is going to be weaker. But the difference here in Philadelphia is so shockingly bad, that it could single-handedly be the reason Philadelphia flops in the postseason.
Phillies need a reliable fourth starting pitcher at trade deadline to make World Series realistic
Most teams can make a legit World Series run with three strong starting pitchers. But the Phillies have a middle-of-the-road bullpen, plus two vacant holes to complete the starting rotation. There are almost as many cons as pros within the Phillies' staff, which shouldn't make any fan feel confident with the current roster. Right now, it's nearly a guarantee that the Phillies will lose whenever their three-headed monster is not pitching. On top of that, there is an undeserved added pressure for Sánchez, Wheeler, and Luzardo to pitch perfectly every time they take the mound.
It's not like this problem can't be fixed, though. Philadelphia is one arm away from having the best rotation in the National League. If a team can have four horses in the postseason, it makes their path seem a lot smoother to a World Series appearance.
Perhaps Joe Ryan, Sonny Gray, Robbie Ray, or Sandy Alcántara could help ease that pressure. These starters are all having strong seasons. They are also all potential trade candidates ahead of the deadline. There is no reason that the Phillies should not be pursuant of any of these pitchers. They could be the final piece needed to put Philadelphia in a strong position for a postseason run.
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