The Philadelphia Phillies trade deadline checklist was recently revealed by MLB insider Jim Bowden, who says the team is actively looking for outfield options to help fill both a starting and bench role. With almost all other aspects of the Phillies roster appearing set, it makes sense that they would want to upgrade in an area that has been the greatest weakness to date.
As a result, we'll look at some potential trade candidates from the NL West that the Phillies should consider to bolster the roster for the stretch run. Since help in the outfield is currently the main need, we'll keep the focus on outfielders for this review.
4 trade candidates the Phillies should consider from NL West teams
We'll start in San Francisco, looking at a nine-year veteran outfielder who used to play for the rival New York Mets.
Michael Conforto, San Francisco Giants
An intriguing option that has the potential of being a low-risk, high-reward for the Phillies to consider would be San Francisco Giants outfielder Michael Conforto. Prior to his unfortunate run into injury troubles the past few seasons, the former All-Star had been a consistent 30-homer, 80-RBI player for the New York Mets during his prime years. With a career .988 fielding percentage along with 47 outfield assists, his defense wasn’t too shabby either.
However, after missing the entire 2022 season due to shoulder surgery, Conforto hasn’t been quite the same. Some of his power production may have disappeared, but he should still be good for about 20 home runs and 60 RBI per season. He's currently slashing .230/.287/.405 with eight home runs and 25 RBI in 55 games.
With the ability to play all three outfield positions, he would provide the Phillies with the lineup flexibility. Added to the fact that Conforto would be a rental, it shouldn’t cost the Phillies too much in terms of assets to acquire the veteran. And if he manages to rediscover his prior dominant form, it could even turn into a jackpot for Philadelphia.