With the MLB trade deadline fast approaching on July 30, the Philadelphia Phillies front office is tasked with taking a big-picture look at what upgrades are necessary on the current 26-man roster and, with the clock ticking, identifying holes that need fixing ahead of another playoff push.
While the Phillies currently have the best record in MLB at 64-38, and hold a healthy 9.0 game lead in the NL East over the rival Atlanta Braves, a wave of injuries to key superstars over the last few months and some noticeable regression in performance from players like José Alvarado, Ranger Suárez, Orion Kerkering and Brandon Marsh have taken away some of the shine from a team that was once winning baseball games at a historic pace.
Before we get too fatalistic about the recent flat play that has befallen the Phillies, it should be noted that the team's odds of making the postseason are currently at 100 percent. This isn't a team that has an overwhelming number of issues to fix, but some clear needs have presented themselves with only a handful of days left before the trade deadline passes.
The Phillies are far from alone in the pursuit of trade deadline upgrades. Almost every contender has an injury to account for or a key spot on the roster that would benefit from an influx of talent in areas on the field where current options aren't getting it done.
3 Phillies who aren’t as safe as they think with the trade deadline approaching
The Phillies have some obvious needs and are one of those teams currently mentioned as being in the market for a number of All-Star caliber names and lesser role players. Who will be wearing a Phillies uniform next week is anyone's guess right now, but what current Phillies players stand to lose playing time or a roster spot if the team makes a deadline move in the next couple of days?
Let's take a look at three Phillies players who might find themselves out of a job or a role at this time next week.