5 Phillies players most likely to be dealt at the trade deadline

The Philadelphia Phillies are focused on being buyers ahead of the Aug. 1 trade deadline, but who are they most likely prepared to include as part of any potential return package?

San Diego Padres v Philadelphia Phillies - Game Two
San Diego Padres v Philadelphia Phillies - Game Two | Rich Schultz/GettyImages
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Gregory Soto

For anyone wanting to boost their bullpen depth, Gregory Soto would be an enticing if mercurial option. It helps that he provides the invaluable quality of being a southpaw.

Soto can be perceived as somewhat an enigma, although he offers more positives than negatives. For example, his 4.24 ERA is projected to be the worst since his second year in the Majors, but is countered by a 1.190 WHIP which would be the best of his career.

The 28-year-old is renowned for having an excellent fastball and sublime slider, but lacks a third quality pitch. He has been labelled inconsistent and lacking control but, for what it's worth, he is on course this season for the lowest walk-rate of his Major League career.

Some front offices might be slightly deterred by paying the remainder of Soto's $3.925 million salary this season. However, you're getting a pitcher with two All-Star selections on his resume, who does not become a UFA until 2026.

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