3 pitchers who could be traded if the Phillies fall out of playoff contention

3 Phillies who could be traded. No. 3 - RHP Craig Kimbrel RHP Aaron Nola

Ask anyone a year or so ago and there's no chance Aaron Nola would ever find his name in trade rumors. The right-hander has had "Philly for life" written across his chest for years now, but suddenly the tables may be turning for him and his career on the club.

The nine-year veteran made his way into the rumor mill early this year, as ESPN's Jeff Passan wrote a piece (subscription required) calling out the Phillies as the team to watch ahead of the deadline, because they are right in the middle of the "buy or sell" conversation.

Passan specifically notes that Nola could become available if the Phillies fail to make any serious ground in the NL East.

To kick off his 2023 season, Nola has made 15 starts and hasn't quite been able to replicate some of the numbers he's posted in year's past. The 30-year-old is 6-5 with a 4.66 ERA, 4.16 FIP and 93 ERA+. Not bad, but not ace-level like he was as recently as last year.

There's no doubt that the right-hander will command a significant haul at the deadline if he's moved, even if he hasn't been one of the top starters in the league like he has been previously. He doesn't walk batters, he keeps the bases fairly clean, doesn't surrender many home runs and remains a high-strikeout arm.

Moving the 2018 All-Star may not be the most popular move amongst the Phillies and their fans, but if the club is truly looking to rebuild or retool, it's best to start at the top when it comes to their tradeable assets, especially since he is an upcoming free agent.