3 too-early trade partners that make too much sense for Phillies
These three teams have players the Phillies could make a deal for before the July 30 MLB trade deadline.
The MLB trade deadline is July 30, and the Philadelphia Phillies will be buyers. Injuries have recently tested the club's depth, with Taijuan Walker, Spencer Turnbull, Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper going on the IL.
Philadelphia doesn't need to necessarily make a blockbuster deal to improve their club. At full strength, they have minimal concerns on their roster. However, ailments can pile up suddenly for any team during a season. The trade deadline represents an opportunity for a contending team such as the Phillies to become even stronger with the postseason a few months away.
3 too-early trade partners that make too much sense for Phillies
Let's take a look at three too-early trade partners that make too much sense for the Phillies.
Toronto Blue Jays
If the Toronto Blue Jays decide to become sellers leading up to the July 30 trade deadline, the club has a few players that could provide depth for the Phillies. Reliever Trevor Richards, who will be a free agent after the season, has had a solid year. He has a 2.49 ERA and a 0.83 WHIP in 36 appearances.
Bullpen pitcher Yimi García, who is currently on the 15-day IL dating back to June 17 with right elbow ulnar neuritis, is having a good year with a 2.57 ERA and a 0.79 WHIP in 27 games. Once the pending free agent returns from the IL, he will get save opportunities for the Blue Jays with closer Jordan Romano being shut down due to elbow discomfort.
Starting pitcher Chris Bassitt, while possessing a hefty contract — $22 million in 2024 and 2025 — is having a decent year with a 3.24 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP in 17 outings. It appears unlikely the Phillies would consider him due to his salary, but he would provide depth for their fifth spot in the rotation if they look to add another starter.
Relievers Richards and García, should he prove he is recovered from his injury, represent solid options for Philly to target in a deal and will not cost much in a trade due to each being a pending free agent.
Chicago White Sox
The Phillies are a team rumored to be a potential suitor for outfielder Luis Robert Jr. The buzz has cooled off a bit as the Chicago White Sox didn't send top scouts (subscription required) to monitor any of Philadelphia's minor-league prospects, according to The Athletic.
It will take a lot for the Phillies to acquire Robert Jr. He has multiple years of team control remaining on his deal. Are the White Sox even interested in making a deal with Philly involving the outfielder? Philadelphia could benefit from acquiring another outfielder by the trade deadline but making a blockbuster trade isn't necessary for the club to improve. Robert Jr. also has an injury history that should make the team steer clear of trading top prospects such as Aidan Miller and Justin Crawford for the Guantanamo, Cuba native.
The White Sox will likely trade pitcher Garrett Crochet by the July 30 deadline. As with Robert Jr., Chicago will ask for a significant amount in return for the starter. The 25-year-old has two more years of arbitration remaining on his contract.
Philadelphia could use more pitching depth, considering Walker's inconsistent season and current injury in addition to Turnbull's lengthy absence due to his own ailment. However, the organization doesn't need to trade several of its top prospects for Crochet in order to improve.
Alternatives to Robert Jr. and Crotchet who may be available from the White Sox include outfielder Tommy Pham and pitcher Erick Fedde. Chicago has more affordable trade candidates who could provide depth to the Phillies roster.
Miami Marlins
The Miami Marlins have a few players who may be with other teams by the end of the trade deadline. Reliever Tanner Scott, first baseman Josh Bell and outfielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. could all fill a need for Philly to improve its depth.
Chisholm Jr. is another player who will command a considerable haul in return if he is traded. The 26-year-old has two more years of club control before he is eligible for free agency. Like Robert Jr., the Marlins outfielder has an injury history. Due to this and what the Marlins may ask in return for him, the Phillies should consider other options if they want to add another outfielder via trade.
Bell is a free agent at the end of the season but has struggled with eight home runs and 35 RBI in 83 games. He would be an option the Phillies could use if they suffer any injuries to their infield depth leading up to the deadline.
Scott represents an acquisition from the Marlins who would make the most sense for the Phillies. The left-hander has a 1.50 ERA and successfully converted 12 of 14 save opportunities. He will be sought after by many clubs leading up to the deadline but would be a solid option for manager Rob Thomson to use in save situations if Philadelphia were to acquire him.
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