Phillies: 4 bold predictions for the MLB trade deadline
By Edward Eng
2. The Phillies nab outfielder Tommy Pham from their division rival New York Mets
With the transition of Phillies superstar Bryce Harper to first base and outfield slugger Kyle Schwarber to the DH role, the Phillies acquire veteran Tommy Pham from the New York Mets to fill the void left in left field, despite his recent groin issues. Pham has been previously mentioned as a potential trade target for the Phillies, so the speculation has come to fruition. The 10-year veteran has averaged close to 20 home runs, 65 RBI, and double-digit stolen bases in his prime years while playing steady defence in the outfield for six different ballclubs in his career.
For 2023, Pham is hitting .272 with an .831 OPS, 129 OPS+, with 28 runs scored, 15 doubles, nine home runs, 35 RBI and 11 stolen bases. With only 19 errors in total throughout his career with a .986 fielding percentage as well, Pham provides the right combination of speed, fielding and hitting for the Phillies to fill in as their everyday leftfielder, and on his days of rest, provide a strong bat and defensive replacement off the bench.
3. The Phillies upgrade their bullpen by adding Kendall Graveman from the Chicago White Sox
The Phillies try their best to reunite with their 2022 closer David Robertson, but as trade talks fall through, they turn to Kendall Graveman of the Chicago White Sox and eventually get their valuable bullpen piece. Graveman has been a dominant reliever for the past three years since his breakout season back in 2021 with the Seattle Mariners. He also played a key role in helping the Houston Astros reach the World Series that very same year, after the Mariners traded him to the Astros at the trade deadline. During that postseason, he pitched to a 1-0 record, 1.64 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, giving up only two earned runs, four walks and 11 strikeouts in nine appearances.
With that being his only taste of playoff baseball, Graveman will definitely be hungry to have the chance again at the postseason. For 2023, he has posted a 3-4 record, with a 3.56 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, with 41 strikeouts in 43 innings pitched. He will no doubt bolster the Phillies bullpen to strong contender status and help setup team closer Craig Kimbrel to close out ballgames.