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?
At 8-7 since the All Star Break, the Phillies haven't exactly been on a hot streak of late. However, they're still right in the thick of the playoff race at the time of posting and looking to strengthen the roster prior to Tuesday's 6:00 pm ET trade deadline.
The question is, will the Phillies target a big name addition, or aim slightly lower to boost the team? Speculation is understandably rife, with fans eager to find out the answer.
What we do know is it can't be all one way traffic, but who are the Phillies prepared to part company with, as they continue their quest for a second consecutive World Series appearance? Here are five players who should accept there is a genuine possibility they are about to leave Philadelphia:
NB - All statistics up to and including July 30.
Edmundo Sosa
When it comes to Edmundo Sosa, we're talking about a player who is the consummate teammate and depth player. He has appeared in 73 of the Phillies' 105 games so far this season, including 56 starts.
During his time in the Majors, one of Sosa's most valuable traits has been his versatility. He has mostly played at second base, third base and shortstop, but has also been deployed as an outfielder on ocassion.
While not considered a particularly dangerous offensive threat, it is worth noting the 27-year-old has improved since his trade last year from the Cardinals. In this respect, he has a .264/.293/.456 slash line and .749 OPS in Philadelphia.
From a financial perspective, Sosa's contract is extremely team-friendly, with him making $950,000 this season. He is arbitration eligible for three more years, before he becomes a unrestricted free agent (UFA) in 2027.
Darick Hall
Depending on who you ask, Darick Hall is either an underrated player ready to break out, or someone who just can't take advantage of the opportunities being offered to him. In other words, he's a talented but frustrating underachiever.
In one respect Hall is limited in what he can offer, i.e. power and only being able to play at first base on defense. On the other hand, he will become an invaluable depth player if he can perform to his potential on a more consistent basis.
The left-handed bat made his Major League debut last year and looked promising enough in 41 games, mostly as a DH. He hit nine home runs and 16 RBI, on his way to a .250/.282/.522 slash line and .804 OPS.
This season Hall has excelled in Triple-A, but not translated this success to the Majors, where he has taken a step (or two) back. We're at a point where a change of scenery is arguably best, if he is ever going to fulfill his potential.
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.
Griff McGarry
Including Griff McGarry is admittedly dependent on how aggressive the Phillies want to be at the deadline. If they're going all in to add a proverbial big name in a blockbuster move, McGarry makes sense.
The Phillies understandably would prefer not to part with any of their top prospects, which includes three in the top 100 according to MLB.com. The 24-year-old is fourth in the Philadelphia farm system, i.e. still offers enticing value, but marginally more expendable.
Making McGarry's possible departure a tough pill to swallow, his talent alone makes him potentially one of the top pitching prospects in baseball. He has a fastball capable of hitting 100 mph, backed up by an intriguing combo of a slider and curveball. (Even his changeup is considered above average.)
Ultimately though, it's about the Phillies successfully negotiating a balancing act between building for the future and right now. And as much as moving McGarry could backfire, it's a gamble the front office must -- if they're not already -- seriously consider.
Simón Muzziotti
Similar to McGarry's inclusion in any potential trade package, also adding Simón Muzziotti would signify how aggressive the Phillies want to be. Originally signed by the Red Sox, Muzziotti is ranked 10th among prospects in Philadelphia.
The 24-year-old's main positive is his top-level speed, clearly an advantage whether on base or playing in the outfield. He's also started to fill out and add strength to his frame.
Offensively, Muzziotti is continuing to improve with the bat. In his first season of extended action at the Triple-A level, he's hit four homers and 45 RBI, on the way to a .326/.387/,439 slash line and .826 OPS.
The Venezuela native did make his Major League debut last season, but his chances have been limited so far in Philadelphia. If he stays he likely projects as outfield depth, but could get an opportunity to start more elsewhere.