6 Phillies players who belong on the trade block right now

With Opening Day approaching, which players should the Phillies use as trade bait to upgrade the team further?

Philadelphia Phillies prospect pitcher Griff McGarry could be an enticing trade piece
Philadelphia Phillies prospect pitcher Griff McGarry could be an enticing trade piece | Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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Andrew Bellatti

After spending many years of his professional baseball career roaming the minor leagues, Andrew Bellatti finally had his MLB breakout season with the Phillies in 2022 at the age of 30.

As one of the more reliable arms in the bullpen, Bellatti amassed a 4-4 record, two saves, nine holds, a solid 3.31 ERA, and a whopping 78 strikeouts in just 54 1/3 innings over 59 appearances. He even took his game to another level in the playoffs when he posted a stellar 1.29 ERA and 0.43 WHIP with nine strikeouts in eight games of postseason action.

However, Bellatti failed to replicate his success in 2023 when he stumbled right out of the gate in April. In the end, he spent multiple stints both in the minor and majors and compiled 5.11 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in 27 games overall with the Phillies. He did perform more admirably during his time in the minors with a 2.25 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 28 innings.

That minor league performance apparently didn’t impress the Phillies enough, as he was designated for assignment and outrighted to the minors this offseason in favor of Michael Rucker, who was acquired from the Chicago Cubs. In addition to Rucker, the Phillies have added a boatload of depth arms to go with the likes of Luis Ortiz, Nick Nelson, Yunior Marté, and Connor Brogdon already in the system.

It appears Bellatti's days remaining in the organization may be numbered, and perhaps a change of scenery would work well for both parties in the long run.

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